Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From Trinity Retreat

Monday July 26, 2004

In our little columns here we have been looking at faith and the decision to believe. We also need a decision to keep believing. Tragic events occur, or arguments are given, or scandal takes place in the Church and people will tell you that their faith is shaken. What they need to do at such times is to renew their faith. If you read the history of the Church or in fact the history of religion in general you’ll see that many times people’s faith has been shaken. To be shaken is not to be knocked over. When your faith is shaken you respond with a firmer conviction.
As I began to recover in the hospital and realized what had happened to me and the implications of my injuries, I had to renew my faith. I had to struggle for faith. It didn’t seem fair. How could you spend all your life serving the Lord and He let something like this happen to you? I was keenly aware of the necessity of preaching the gospel at our present unbelieving time and I felt very disappointed that I was not able to continue preaching. Then I discovered that my own accident had become an opportunity for faith and renewed belief on the part of many people. How delighted I was to see some of the 40,000 e-mails that we received from people of many religious denominations telling me that they would pray for me and that their faith in some way had been restored or renewed. Let us give thanks to God for His Holy Spirit who operates through things that don’t seem to be blessings at a particular moment.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict
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Hi Father Benedict, It sure was good to read my email and find this note from you. I watched your special on EWTN about your accident and total trust in God and was both moved and inspired. I have prayed for you everyday since your accident (actually, I always prayed for you every day) and will continue to do so. From now on I will purchase all of your books from your site only. I have almost everything you have ever written. You are so dear to so many of us. I love you so much and ask that God continue to bless you. Your friend always in Christ - Mona,

Rats, I just bought one of your books today at the Catholic book store. In the future, I will order from the web site. Give Brother Martin de Porres my regards from Omaha. - Becky,

Hi Fr. Benedict, I know that you asked for ideas for the website, well my idea is that of sharing your life of service for the Church. Interesting stories of individuals you have encountered (ex: Mother Theresa, Cardinal Cooke or the common poor)to uplift our spirits. Stories from your travels in preaching all over the world. Your favorite stories from the lives of your favorite Saints. You have done so much in your life and sharing all or some of these experiences would be uplifting to us all. - Richie, Westbury, New York

Dear Fr. Groeschel, Happy Monday! So good to see you up and around again. I'm getting a good dose of humility and patience lately after suffering a stroke last month. Offering up all to the Cross of Our Lord JESUS for your recovery helps a great deal in recovery from these pesky situations. Being a frugal person, I'm always wanting to "recycle" everything here and this is a good way to recycle! Keeping you always in my prayers each day. Keep the messages coming...we love each and every one of them! love - Smith,

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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