Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From Trinity Retreat

Sunday August 29, 2004

DIFFICULTIES

One of the observable facts of life is that almost everything that is worthwhile has difficulties attached to it. If you have set out to do something good and don’t run into difficulties, you are probably very elated because it seldom happens. But it is the difficulties themselves, often, that in the long run, make the work worthwhile. And certainly this would be true of God’s grace for the individual. If we have to struggle to do things to please God, then that very struggle is part of our sacrifice of praise made to Him. During the past months when I was in physical therapy, I ran into many difficulties. I didn’t realize how difficult it was, and how completely out of shape I was before the accident, and after spending two months in bed on respirators. But once I started therapy, I kept plugging along and was a bit annoyed that it was so difficult and that it was taking so long.
Just last week I learned from my doctor and my therapists that they never expected me to be able to walk. They didn’t tell me that. Right now I am walking at least three quarters of a mile a day, if not more. They did not expect me to be functioning on my own, which I am, with some limitations. Had it not been for the difficulties I had to overcome, I would not be here. Thank God they didn’t tell me what the medical expectations were or I would have been too discouraged to even try. The next time difficulties come to you, remember they often carry a blessing with them. The old saying, which has come down from the past, has a great deal of wisdom to it: “No cross, no crown.”

P. S. As you’ve noticed during the past week, different friars have been sending different messages each day, beginning with Fr. Glenn. I hope that you have been enjoying them and profiting by them. Right now, I am getting back to work and am really too busy to be writing a message every day. From now on, I will be writing one every Sunday.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict
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Fr. Benedict, friars, sisters and fellow Catholics, Thank you for your prayers. I'm so happy for all the miracles (big and little ones" Jesus does in His Church today. I wonder, hope and PRAY one day (God's day) your community will open a friary in Belgium. God knows we urgently need holy priests and holy friars and sisters to evangelize Belgium again. The power of the evil one is very great in Belgium but much greater is the mercy, the love and the power of Jesus Christ, THE King of all universe. That soon the immaculate heart of Mary may triumph!!! - Henri, Belgium

I haven't written for awhile, but still return to this site at least once a day. I usually check it at night right before bed and find it is a beautiful way to end the day. I continue to pray for you Father Benedict for healing, for strength and for blessings on your ministry. Of course, I pray for all your Franciscan brothers and sisters and priests and religious all over the world. Thank you Father Glenn for your many updates while Father Benedict was recuperating. Your words were uplifting and filled with hope. It will be a special gift for all of us to hear from more of the friars as you all have a very special gift of spirituality that we can learn from. God bless you all and may He bring much fruit and a rich harvest from your ministry and your prayers. Yours in Christ, - Lois, Conn.

Father Sudano: God bless your for been so kind and gentle with father Groeschel, I would like to help you on whatever matter is necessary. I love Jesus and I being praying for father since his accident. I knew he will be healed, something told me that God love's him in a very special way and that God will allow him to stay longer with all of us who really need him. He is a true living saint and I have great honor for him. Since his accident I learn so much, specially reading daily his letters from all the people that really love him, Each one of them touched my heart and my soul and helped me to grow in spirit and mind. God is using him in great measurement and his work and his word of wisdom is a healing process for many of us. Please tell father Groeschel that take it easy and take good care of himself. Our body is the temple of God and we need to take good care of it, so we can be ready to continue carrying our cross. May the mighty power of God protect and guide all of you. God Bless you - Maria, Encino, California

Fr. Glenn, this one's for you.... It is great to see the face of the man whose letters kept us informed about Father Benedict those first days, weeks. Thank you ALL for the loving care you've shown Father and us, his faithful friends, who "tuned" in every day to check on his progress. We thank God for all of you and for Father's continued healing. You all remain in our prayers.
- Liz, SFO Minister of St. Angela Fraternity, San Angelo, Texas

Welcome BACK Fr Glen. My husband and I look forward to your reflections and the other friars also. Thank you Fr. Benedict for your continued reflections once a week. Praise God you are busy. In Christ, Steve and Charlene, Manchester New Hampshire

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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