Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From Trinity Retreat

Monday July 12, 2004

Almost all cultures have certain rituals or customs they follow in terms of the name of God. In ancient languages the name of God is often preceded or accompanied by a phrase like “Glory be to Him.” In the Western world this is not so common, although when we speak of Our Savior, we frequently refer to Him as Our Lord Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, it has been a custom in the West to take the name of God in vain. This may be simply to mention God in some inappropriate context; or, what is much, much worse, it may mean swearing and cursing by God’s name. This is always a sin, and it can sometimes be a serious sin.
Again I go back to the Jewish people. A devout Jew will not write the name of God on a piece of paper, he will put G-d, lest this paper be disposed of in some irreverent way. When speaking of God, Muslims often refer to God as Father, Allah, and refer to the Divine Power as “the heavens.”
Christians in America should examine how they use God’s name and how and when they call upon God. Someday God will call us home, and we will be asked to render an account of all we have done in life. It would seem very wise not to take the name of the Lord in vain, because on the last day we shall certainly render an account.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict
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Reverend and dear Fr. Groeschel, It's wonderful to see you looking so much better--prayers continue for you among us "Orthodoxen" (well, if the plural of "ox" is oxen, then.). I wanted to add a little note to your fine comments on dressing properly for church. We "Orthodoxen" are quite athletic in church sometimes, especially during Lent. We don't genuflect. We make prostrations. The mention of people wearing flip-flops to church brought me a smile, but it's not funny when the lady ahead of you in an Orthodox church gets down on the floor and extends a foot shod in a stiletto-heeled shoe, often bruising the pray-er just behind her, who in turn may bruise the one behind.... so if you attend the Orthodox church during Lent (or any other time, since we do a good deal of standing and kneeling as well), please wear good shoes, but flip-flops and stiletto heels are -right- -out-! I hope this brings you a smile! Yours in Christ, - Mary from Philadelphia

Dear Father Groeschel, Your message today, regarding dress at Church, is very timely. I live in a town where there are a lot of resorts and camp grounds. This seems to be an excuse for coming to Church in " summer clothes", that is shorts and tee shirts. This attire is not only for those on vacation, but seems to be among the regular parishioners also. I have always felt that any person's attempt to attend Mass was a good thing, but lately I have questioned my own thinking. I know that Jesus is very present in the Eucharist and wonder, how do I want my Savior to see me? Dressed in cut-offs and a tee shirt or in nice, neat clothing that is clean and presentable? Then I ask, what if these people were asked to visit with the President, or the Pope, or the Queen of England? What would they wear? You could bet it would not be shorts and a tee shirt. Here we are, in the real presence of our Lord and Savior, our God, and how do we dress? I try not to judge, but some Sundays I am saddened by how people meet God. I pray that we come back to the reverence we once had for attending Mass. But it starts with one person at a time, one family at a time. So, for me and mine, we will continue to try to dress appropriately to meet our King. Prayers for you, those who work with you, and for our Church. In Him, - Janet, East Haddam, Conn.

Dear Fr. Benedict, you continue to offer great pearls of wisdom via the internet. When you mentioned the way we dress at Mass recently, I could not help but think of Blessed John XX III and something he did once at a formal dinner. There was a woman dressed rather inappropriately so he picked an apple up from off the dinner table and passed it to her and said, "You should have this because Eve wore more than you in the Garden of Eden!" Unfortunately, sometimes I think we need bushel baskets of apples in the summer to pass out to people to get them to think about the way they are dressing. Today you touched on another topic--being silent in Church. I still remember in second grade being told by a priest that it was okay to speak in God's House, for He wants us to feel at home! Of course, I know better now--but the challenge is ever present. Then there are those with gum, cell phones and other gadgetry that can pose distractions for us. Fortunately, we have been running "Church Etiquette" reminders in our bulletins and it is working, albeit slowly. Thank you for reminding us to pray for the priests, for without our priests, we would not be able to receive the sacraments! You are such a blessing--and all of us who check on you through this wonderful work from Grassroots are blessed because you are open to the Holy Spirit. May Jesus, Mary, Joseph, St. Pio, and Fr. Solanus Casey keep a watchful eye on you until you recover fully, - Lisa, Howell, Michigan

You should maintain this internet column. I find it very helpful and thought provoking and at times inspirational. Rotating the friars would also be great. Keep up the good work! Dia Dhuit! - Christopher, New York

Greetings Fr. Benedict...Many people question how my children sit still AND quiet in Church. You see we are converts from the anabaptist folk...who train their children from tiniest infancy to be silent and respectful in CHurch. They sit for 2-3 hours (many go to sleep) but still all are expected to maintain absolute silence regardless of age. I was and continue to be amazed at the laxity in child training and poor adult behavior in Mass. This is our Lord we are in the presence of ...I agree, respectful quiet is essential. BTW...as a Mom, I've cultivated my "look" and it or a specific hand signal will quiet my childen...and do a fair job on other children :) Blessings...Pray for me please - Sarah, in Wyoming

Dear Fr. Benedict: I have been reading some of your recent messages. I agree with you whole heartedly about the noise at Mass, the disrespect for the Eucharist, and the sloppy and disrespectful way people dress for Mass. A couple of years ago a women asked me if my family was celebrating a special event that Sunday. I said, no why do you ask. She said because you are all dressed up. I said we are dressed up because we just attended Our Lords Banquet. After that I noticed her family was always nicely dressed. I guess they just had not thought about it that way. I think if our Bishops would ask the pastors to bring it up at Mass or in the Sunday newsletter, it may wake some of our people up. I really don't think they mean to insult Jesus. They just don't think about it. Of course we never hear about this from the Diocese, therefore no one ever feels they are doing anything wrong. I must say however our dear Pastor has tried several times to get his prisoners to bow or at least nod reverently as they approach communion, but very few do it. Keep hammering at us Father, maybe someday we will wake up and smell the roses. May God Bless You and your Friars for all you are doing. - Alice, Rochester, New York

Fr. Groeschel: I have been praying for you, but I pleaded with Jesus to let you live because we need you so very much. I met you at the Morris town Carmel, and I could forget how you showered us with God's love. May all your suffering with Our Holy Father and Mother Angelica's suffering reap vocations for our Church. A rosary a day for a week offered up for you and your intentions. God Bless You! - PaulaRose, Convent Station, New Jersey

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