Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From the Hospital

Message for Friday, May 7, 2004

Despite the fact that I have found hospital staff everywhere very friendly and respectful of faith and religion, there is always somebody in this situation who gives you the fish-eye stare or just passes you by regularly. We don’t know what this means, and it happens to us in everyday life, but it is perhaps more noticeable when you are in the hospital environment. The best thing is not to take it too seriously and go on with life as your ordinarily would, being courteous to the person if they give you a chance to do so. The hospital is a wonderful place to think about the fact that Jesus shed His blood for everyone, not just for the people who are nice. It’s necessary for us to try to reach out to every human soul who will possibly pay attention because Jesus died for everyone and He offers salvation to everyone. We have to be careful not to be a chump or be taken in by strange people or fast talkers. On the other hand, it’s far better to try to understand human beings who have had bad backgrounds or strange experiences that have twisted them. We shouldn’t just write them out of our life. The Christian tries to find God in everyone. It can be a dangerous pursuit. If we work at it, Christ will certainly reward us by assisting us to find Him, even if we can’t imagine that He is present in a particular person because of their behavior.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict

Dear Father Benedict, thank you for keeping up the messages, and sharing your thoughts as you work so hard at being rehabilitated. I am just one of so many who had never had the chance to meet you face to face, yet through EWTN "knew"you - and now through your "Accident" am privileged to be one of your internet family. I can see that this privilege is for a reason, and God gives many opportunities each day to share what we are learning from you with others, and to dare to strip away little comfortable habits to give more time to prayer and others needs. Your acceptance of your vulnerability has been a great example for me. I am 59 and now starting a new career as a carer, working with those afflicted by dementia and the elderly, and seek your blessing.-Veronica, Wattle Park, Australia

Dear Father Benedict,
Each day I look forward to reading your daily reflections. I appreciate the lesson on March 24 about the redemptive value of suffering un union with Christ's passion. This pracxtice will surely have a positive affect on one's spiritual growth, emotional balance and physical healing. Now I try to "offer up" my daily trial and disappointments throughout the day to curb my pride or self-pity. It's not always easy to remember this during crucial times but I'll keep on trying. May you always walk with Jesus and draw on the strength of your Blessed Mother who is interceding for you.
With love and prayers,-Alvina,
Northern Black Hills in South Dakota

Dear Fr.Benedict, After reading lots and lots of wonderful msgs for you, and without knowing anything about you, the only thing I can say is GOD Bless you and pray for all the world, 'cause we urgently need your prays. Thank you so much and get well soon.-Isabel, PORTUGAL
Queluz, Queluz

: Dear Father Benedict, Good Morning! I am so blessed to have this site to come to first thing in my day. It is an extension of my prayer time. While reading your letter today, I was reminded of something my mother always said to me......" Look around, there is always someone who has it worse off than you. Count your blessings!" A lesson I still have to remind myself of often..... a lesson that you are teaching me again. Thank you! Grace and peace to you and may His loving hand continue the work he has started in you and with you! Peace,-Janet, East Haddam, Conn.

Dear Father Groeschel.My wife asked me the other day,"Have you checked on Father,how is he doing?,So I told her that I've seen Father in ewtn just for a short moment in his wheelchair.How good it is to see you doing better.after a hard day in the hospital, I was desilutioned,and complaining,hoping that I had performed all my duties to my best,then I seen you in the website,the I remember how Christ gave himself for Us and sufered for us,as I write to you the feeling of being upset is gone.May God grant you many blessings.Christ is Risen,indeed HE is risen.-Virgil, Jackson Michigan.

Thank you so much to Grassroots for this latest video of Father Benedict. How close we feel to him as we watch it, and how grateful we are to God for his continuing progress in his recovery. Thank God for all of you ---- for your love for this holy man, and for your talent that you share so generously with us. We continue to keep Father B. and all of the Friars in our prayers. You have all made a difference. Love, -Paul & Margaret & Family, patterson, California

Dear Father Benedict; Please tell whomever it is that is responsible for the beautiful videos that they are very appreciated. "He chose to follow Jesus" is stunningly beautiful! I can hardly wait till I can hear you preach from the pulpit of your hospital bed again, though. The prayer you recite in this peace IS peace. Thank you.
41 yr ago yesterday I made my First Holy Communion, in 1958 (hope the math was right!) and still can remember how important that day was and how loved I felt. Thank you for offering your suffering for me. Thank you for opening your eyes each day and saying yes to His Will. I know it is not easy, especially now with your newly "surgicized" right elbow! When my aching shoulder wakes me up in the middle of the night, all I have to do is stop and think of you and how long it has been since you've been able to lie on your right side. It makes this mere ache more bearable. Thank you for your loving example for us all and don't forget the ice cream.-Juanita, Montgomery, Alabama

Dear Fr Benedict,
It is such a blessing and a holy privilege to know you and the Friars through your letters on this website and through Brother Francis Mary. Thank you for sharing all you have with us as you recover. Going to this website has become so much a part of my spiritual day and has helped me grow in understaning. I hope that somehow, the lessons may continue here even after you are healed and on your way.
with prayers and thankfulness for you -Mary, Buffalo, New York

Dear Fr. Benedict, WOW! What a great NEW video! I love the pictures of you as a young priest. I know you'll be embarassed but you were some kind'a gorgeous! When I was a little girl, my family began a long friendship with the priest in our parish. He was a very good looking young man. My little girl reasoning believed he became a priest to get away from all the women chasing him! I think I had images in my head something like a Beatles' movie! Anyway, when I see you someday, in heaven, I'll know who you are from seeing these picture today! Lots of love!-Jodi, Madisonville, Los Angelas

Dear Fr. Benedict, I am so glad to hear that your latest surgery went well.I pray for you daily. What an absolutely beautiful new video. What a handsome young friar you were Father!Many thanks to the crew that produced the video-it is beautiful & powerful.-Kathleen, Belmont, Mass.

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict