Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From Trinity Retreat

Monday August 9, 2004

America has always prided itself on being a success-oriented country. When people succeed at things, they assume that it is a sign of God’s favor. It’s certainly true that we enjoy success; when we are successful, we feel better, but success should never be our way of measuring whether God has been with us or not. That’s not what it’s about.
The Christian life is a matter of going on, of taking up the cross each day and following Our Divine Savior. Nothing is ever going to change that very realistic aspect of Christianity. If you saw The Passion of Christ, you realize that from a healing point of view Jesus’ life was an incredible failure. Never did a consecrated, dedicated life end so badly. Yet by divine power when He died in bitter degradation, He accomplished all things. He saved the world.
If we’re going to follow Christ, we have to be prepared to look at things in a very different way. Christianity and worldliness do not go together. As Jesus Himself told us, we cannot serve both God and mammon.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict
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Dear Most Reverend Father "Lefty": I read your recent email that pertains to the limited use of your right arm and shoulder. You indicated that you thought people were starting to call you "Lefty". What great news! The Yankees are in dire need of another left-handed pitcher. Perhaps you can speak to them about joining their team. I'm sure they'll allow you to pitch in your habit and sandals, provided you agree to allow them to add your team number to your habit. Lifting your leg in your habit (to release the ball) may be a challenge at first, but I'm confident that with a little practice, you'll "get the hang of it". In addition to the usual vendors with NY accents who yell, "Hotdog's. Get your hotdog's here!" perhaps the Franciscan friars and sisters can sell rosaries, books, and tapes in the stands. "Rosaries. Get your rosaries here!" During the traditional seventh inning stretch, maybe you could teach the crowds and use analogies to tie our Lord and life to the ball game. For instance, it's prudent to obey the manager and the rules of the game. Sometimes, it may be necessary to humble oneself and just hit a bunt or sacrifice fly in order to advance another team member. Encouraging and cheering on team members helps the team as a whole, not just the individual. It's also imperative to keep swinging, even though they "struck out" the last time at bat. Sometimes, unexpected circumstances may cause the team member to "slide" or "lay low." It's also wise to do the very best possible and to strive to make it all the way to home plate. I am positive that one day, our Lord, the Manager of Heaven, will look you in the eye and say, " Oye! What a game, Benedict! You did great! Welcome to Home Plate!" - Sally, Connecticut

Dear Fr. Benedict,
Thank you for continuing this website. The messages continue to be timely and helpful. I still check in and continue to pray for your recovery. It's great to see you back on EWTN. With love and prayers, - Mary, New Jersey

Dear Father Benedict, Father Glenn, and Faithful Volunteers,
The video is so moving. It is heartening to see these fine young people devote their lives to God. Their faces reflect such joy, love, loyalty, and hope. Please know that I pray for all of you, with deep gratitude for your devotion. I am looking forward to seeing you on EWTN Live this week if that is still in your plans, Father. We could not have guessed six months ago that you would be up and about, and back to work so quickly. God is so very good. - Julie, Arizona

Dear Father Benedict, This is a "tacky" topic, but I wish someone would address it so that we can all listen to it. I can understand the tendency to want to "gossip", but what I cannot understand now is why some of us keep it up once we get into it and why we repeat it over and over again. It hurts inside, and it hurts others. It is a reason why I avoid some situations because I know it will be a temptation. The tongue, as St. James tells us, is like a "rudder" for the rest of our body. Some may think I am turning my back on them, but it hurts too much to see these "feathers go flying" out of the pillow and out into the wind. I don't know how to handle it in family situations when I find myself "there", except to say "We can't do this" or walk away. "Biting one's tongue" is an apt expression. "Hold it", is another. Putting one's finger on one's lips as a kindergarten teacher would do with her pupils is another way. I am on the look out now for one of those monkey statuettes "see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil". As a reminder for myself first of all. Thank you and God bless you. PS. Can you tell us the names of the 8 Brothers who make their final vows? Thank you. Let us continue to pray for each other. - M.S, Georgia

Your message of today was just what I need. I have been struggling with a lot of setbacks lately and as I heard you also say on a previous EWTN program that I saw last night, sometimes the only thing I can do is try to pray my way through it. Thanks so much for praying for us all. - Don, Nashua, New Hampshire

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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