From
Trinity Retreat Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,
From
Trinity Retreat
Friday, June 11, 2004
Often in these messages I have had reason to comment on suffering.
At the present time we can certainly endure suffering with and for the Church.
Beginning with the stooped and burdened figure of our Holy Father right through
the whole Church, we know there is suffering. People suffer in different ways
from different causes. A great many Catholics, beginning with the clergy, are
suffering right now, and they are wondering how God could let this happen to
the Church. Didn’t the same question preoccupy the minds of Our Lady and
the apostles and the early Christian women like Mary Magdalene when the apostles
failed Christ so badly?
The Church has suffered ever since. The Church is made up of poor sinners, and
so is the clergy. The Church has often fallen far short of the ideals of Christ.
This is the Church on earth. We have to remember that there are also the Church
triumphant (in heaven) and the Church suffering (in Purgatory). These two branches
of the Church are absolutely on a straight road to Christ. We on earth have
the task of being loyal to Christ, especially at a time when many are not. Whatever
our attitudes to the present crisis in the Church, we must remember the importance
of loyalty to Christ and that the Church is His.
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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Your superiors at the seminary were somewhat right when they told you that you didin't have what it takes to be a good teacher. You've have proved beyond any expectations they have had for you that you are far more worthy of being called an extraordinary teacher; whereas you may have reached a few where they were going to send you, God in His Wisdom knew far greater multitudes would be in need of your gifts. I'm praying for your recovery. So many of us have never met you personally, but we love you all the same. You have always been an inspiration, and now only so much more as you carry your cross and witness to the world the healing power and generousity of God in giving you back to us. "To the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might, forever and ever" - Julie, Trenton, Minnesota
Each day I pray for your continued healing when I am praying the rosary. It is a daily habit and I always remember you there. You have made me realize that all pain can be united to Christ on Hiw cross. I have learned to do that through you. I lost a son in 1993 and I now offer that pain of his loss to Our Lord for His sufferings. Also any physical pain that I encounter. It is so evident how God is using you to help others. You are an example of the miracles of God's grace. May God continue to heal you and may Our Blessed Mother shelter you with her love. - Judy, Stockton, California
Dear Fr. Benedict, Thank you for your beautiful Pentecost meditation. While reading it-especially re: the toxin problem you had while in the hospital, I realized that was another part of the story that only you can tell. A powerful book! May the Holy Spirit come today , hover over all of us in this sorely distressed world, & give us the strength & wisdom that we need to respond to the call of Jesus. Thank you Fr. Benedict for all that you continue to do. - Kathleen, Belmont Mass.
Dear Fr. Groeschel, I am so happy to see & hear how well you are doing. I have visited your site everyday since your accident. I feel like I am visiting with an old friend. You bring comfort to all those who need to be comforted & hope to the hopeless. Thank you for still being there with us even in you pain & suffering. Fr. Ben, how is you elbow healing? We haven't heard anything about it in a while. May God continue to bless you, his faithful child. Melanie P.S. LA stands for Louisiana, not Los Angeles. - Melaine, Metairie, Los Angelas
Fr. Benedict: I first listened to some of your tapes about 12 years ago when I was struggling with my faith. I fell in love with you and Jesus. You are the best story teller and have changed my spiritual journey permanently-for the better. I thank God always for you; and keep you in prayer. - Sheila, Indianapolis, Indianapolis
Dear Father Benedict, You are always in my prayers for you have been a great source of comfort to my only son and I. Your talks on "Hope in the Lord" have inspired us and helped us to cope with this "valley of tears." May our Blessed Savior conitnue to bless you on the road to recovery. May you return soon to giving talks on our faith to keep us on the right road to ultimately make it to heaven someday to be with our Heavenly Father forever. - Joyce, Poteet, Texas
Send
your greetings to Fr. Benedict
