The sick and needy are aching for prayer and healing
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
There are so many needy people in the world. I am not only referring to the poor, the indigent, in other words people without shelter, food and the basic necessities of life. I’m also thinking of people who are spiritually needy who do not know of God’s love and whose lives are devoid of the influence of His love. I often pray for those who are forgotten and who are living in spiritual poverty without knowing a way out. In addition, I pray, as all Franciscans do, for all the prayer intentions we receive. If you need prayer, you can ask Jesus or Mary directly, "Please have someone pray for me. I need help." Or just whisper to God "Help me." He will.
The purpose of my reflection today is to reach those folks who feel so alone. Who do not know God and who might visit our website out of curiosity with the hope that their hurt will be healed. Of course, I don’t know if there are many of you who feel this way, but by reading our website, you’ve made a good start. Keep reading, it’ll become apparent that we (Secular Franciscans) love Jesus, Mary and the saints.
The saints struggled through life, too. Some people who became saints had a rough time when they were alive but they came through and are recognized by the Church for their courage and valor and their faith. Saints are a great asset. We call upon them not to worship them but to ask them for their intercession. They are in Heaven. They are so close to Jesus; they will help us when we ask them for assistance in Jesus Name.
The Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, hence the “Mother of God”, she stands by to gladly help us when we call upon her. She is the most powerful intercessor yet. She is closer to the Heart of her Son Jesus than anyone else!
Many times, when we ask God for healing, His answer may not hit us with a thunderclap. If we are sincere in our prayer, He WILL answer our prayers provided it is in accordance with His plan for our salvation. I know there are folks who complain that Jesus never answered their prayer. Well, what about the successful knee replacement you had? "Oh," they say, "the doctor did that!" Please think again! Jesus did that for them. Jesus guided the doctor and helped that knee heal.
Then there are so-called "ex-Catholics." These folks for one reason or another have left the Church. Very often it was some small hurt, a priest who realized how serious their need was. Over the years these small hurts become big hurts. They are blown out of proportion. Worst of all, the person in question cannot come to forgive the other party. And, in not doing so cannot forgive themselves. They stew on the matter; they grind the issue into the ground and their nervous systems along with it. People, please, stop hurting yourself! Go see a priest. Discuss it and do what he suggests. Priests are wonderful people. They have our best interests at heart because they represent Christ on earth! But they are also overextended, overworked and understaffed. Ask Jesus for His blessing.
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
September 12, 2023 (bc57)