Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From Trinity Retreat

Wednesday, June 9, 2004

I am amazed by the number of people who write to tell me that my words in this column have helped them deal with their sufferings. I’m amazed because I didn’t know for sure that there were that many people suffering so much in the world. Practically everyone who writes to me mentions their own sufferings. I cannot claim to be an expert on suffering or suffering patiently. It is true that a great deal of pain and discomfort came into my life on January 11th, but why should I claim that I have suffered more than someone else?
I met many people in the hospital who are suffering much more than I am. The Lord knows that with all those involved in concentration camps in the twentieth century, many suffered and died under terrible circumstances. We learn, however, from the passion and death of Christ that enduring suffering with hope can be part of our salvation and sanctification. Christ did not move from the Last Supper to the Resurrection; in between those two events He suffered greatly. Any denial of the spiritual significance of Christ’s sufferings is really a denial of the meaning of Christianity. Suffering in itself is an evil. It shouldn’t exist, and it wouldn’t exist except for original sin. Since it does exist, it offers us the opportunity to prove to God that we trust Him, that we hope in Him, and that we may even lovingly accept the crosses that He sends us.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict

For more information on Grassroots please go to the website at :
www.Grassrootsrenewal.com
Or visit us at:
The St. Francis House

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Dear Fr Benedict, Once again I am drawn to the computer to receive my daily "Hello" from Fr
Benedict and an inspiring word of Truth to carry through out the day. It is amazing how God has used what began as an update on the health of a brother who was near death to become a world wide prayer of intercession for Fr Benedict and now a daily paragraph of evangelization for thousands around the globe. I believe, dear Fr Benedict, that Our Saviour has used this accident to open up another door of Renewal as you have often written about in some of your books in fulfilling the Call to Evangelize from the Holy Father. May God continue to bless your recovery and your priesthood! In Christ - Fr Ignatius Calgary Canada

Dear Fr. Groeschel, I am so happy that you are feeling better and "on the mend". Your daily meditations online are inspiring AND I HOPE THAT THEY ARE BEING COLLECTED AND WILL BE COMPILED INTO A BOOK AVAILABLE TO ALL OF US SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE. I have been going through my third cancer surgery during the period of your accident and recovery. So I have identified with your thoughts and prayers and recovery. Stay well, continued to get strong (as I am also). Peace and Love of Christ, - Justine, Tallahassee, Florida

Dear Father Groeschel, My mom asked me the other day if I had heard how you are doing & I told her I would try to find out. We both have been keeping you in our prayers & pray that you will recover fully. We very much miss hearing you on the radio. We appreciate your no-nonsense, orthodox Catholic teachings, and your love & devotion to the Church, to God & to mankind. We pray you get better soon & would love to know how you are doing. God Bless, - Linda & Alice, Louis, Missouri

Dear Father: I am so very happy that you are improving. Our Diocesan paper, the Nebraska Register, had an article in last weeks edition, with your picture. You were talking to a couple of other people. You looked pretty perky but a little thin. Have them put more potatoes and gravy on your supper. Potatoes work wonders on the Irish. God love and bless you. I will continue to watch your progress in the most sincere hope I will soon see you again on EWTN. Respectfully, - Molly, Beatrice, Nebraska

Fr. Benedict, The Holy Father sends his blessings. I was in Rome this past week for his audience on Wednesday celebrating with my husband and my daughter, her new husband their wedding being blessed by the pontiff. As he gave his final blessing it was mentioned for family and friends, especially those who are sick, or ill, or suffering. Since you are in my prayers, you received his blessings. God bless and sustain. peace, - Kathy, Houston , Texas

Dear Fr. Benedict, Every time I come to your web-site, it is like receiving a spiritual communion. You will never know how much strength so many of us who have drawn more faith. more courage and more hope while seeing you progress and hear the voice we thought would be silent just five months ago. As one person mentioned, thanks to EWTN and Mother Angelica and the Friars who have prayed the rosary for you in those most criticle hours right after your accident. I Thank God for your strong bounce back. You have proven indeed that nothng is IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD Peace and Love - Lorrie, Robbinsville, New Jersey

Blessings and prayers to you father: I rejoice knowing you are still inspiring us with your insight and meditations. Please be patient with us for the lack of misunderstanding your messages conserning the sick. I am guilty that I am yet a child in my faith and I am greatful to have your messges enlighten us. God must have great plans for you to allow you to be with us a little longer. I will pray that your struggles are lightened and your challenges become few. that we hear the raw truth with a point of view only God can inspire. Stay well and keep trucking father, for I still have alot to learn from you. I will continue to pray for you. - Lucy, Dickinson, Texas

Dear Father Benedict, Lord, have mercy. We continue to pray for your health and recovery. Thank you for your beautiful Pentecost message. My mind hurts when I try to understand the mystery but I do understand that He is there. I can relate very well to what you said. Once I began including the Holy Spirit in my life, it turned around. Not only that, I found that in situations where I had been previously been intimidated, I found the words and the courage to stand up for Jesus. I know it was the Holy Spirit who helped me. The funny thing about it is that I never know it at the time, it is when I reflect with awe and amazement that I realize it. And then my heart is full of joy at the knowledge that I wasn't alone. May God bless and keep you.
- Charlotte, Chariton, Iowa

Dear Fr. Benedict: Along with thousands of others, I send my prayers and good wishes for a speedy recovery. I thank Heaven that God did not want you yet. You have so much more to teach us. Please be assured of my continued prayers for your speedy recovery. - Diane M., Westbury, New York

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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