Today is Sunday, January 25. Here is the latest update on Fr. Benedict.
"But
God has constructed the body...so that there may be no division in the body,
but that the parts may have the same concern for one another. If one part suffers,
all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all parts share its joy."
(Today's second reading)
Most certainly, the "drama" which began exactly two weeks ago has brought to light the truth of Saint Paul's words. One member of Christ's Body is now battered and bruised, and we have come together in prayer to give strength and support to the stricken member. No doubt, Father Benedict has been for many of us an "alter Christus", another Christ. To some, Father has been Christ's tongue since he proclaims the truth with eloquence, wit, and wisdom. Others would say, "Yes, but he's really Christ's heart since he has shown me and my loved ones charity and compassion. Perhaps the very poor would chime in, "Yes, but for me he is Christ's hands; he has helped me more than once".
Yes, to honor and support this prestigious member of Christ's Body is, in some way, easy to do. Yet, the challenge presented by the Holy Gospel is to imitate him. This is easy to understand, but difficult to do. Yet, with Divine grace, we too can be for others an "alter Christus".
So, as our friend is bound to a bed of pain, we share in his sufferings. As we are healthfully up and about, may he share in the blessings of our Christ-like words, compassion, and good deeds for others.
Holy Mass was offered in Father's room this morning. He was reported to look well. For the first time he was propped up a bit. Since be cannot receive Holy Communion as yet, Fr. John touched the Sacred Host to his lips. No doubt, this is the longest period in which Father has not received the Holy Eucharist. Yet, he is now living the Eucharist mystery by being a sacrifice of praise, broken and poured out. The graces given for him and for all he holds in his heart will be extraordinary - and perhaps already experienced.
Tomorrow, the operation on Father's right arm.
|
Let us pray: May You, Gracious Lord, guide the hands of the doctors to heal the arm of our friend and father. Make new once again that arm which has been raised in countless blessings, absolved so many souls, and reached out to untold numbers in need. May we who honor him by our prayers and support, honor You in Your Mystical Body by blessing those who curse us, forgiving those who hurt us, and reaching out to those most in need of Your Mercy. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen. |
Since I am working at the Padre Pio Shelter tonight, I cannot post any E-mail. Please forgive me. Hopefully, tomorrow we will have some more good news and more encouraging E-mail's for Father. God bless you!
Fr. Glenn Sudano, C.F.R.
Community Servant
Franciscans of the Renewal
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||