Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From Fr. Glenn Sudano

Wednesday September 1, 2004

Dear Friends,

Those who attend daily Mass or perhaps keep up with the daily readings know that the Gospel this week turns our attention to the unique power and authority of Our Lord over the powers of evil. The fact that Christ was able to cast out evil spirits was not what made his audience sit-up and take notice – it was how He did it – with supreme authority and ease. Most world religions worth anything have their own ways of dealing with malign spirits, each having their own intricate rites and rituals. Yet, Jesus, the Word of God need only say one word – “Out!” or “Leave!”

The power of evil can, at times, become ensconced and entrenched in our lives. After many years of habitual sin, we can surrender to discouragement and self-hatred. Sad to say, we can almost hear the demons laugh in our attempts to cast them out. While we must always fight against the Enemy, we must also use the weapons given to us by God. Lasting liberation from sin – especially addictive sin like pornography on the internet, common sin like gossiping on the phone, and unknown sin like ignoring the real needs of the poor outside in our neighborhoods – is many times a quiet battle often only won after time, patience and effort; but ultimately only through God’s grace.

If you sense that something almost tangibly evil has a grip on you, and all your personal strategies and efforts always end in defeat - go to Christ, go to Confession. When we go to the sacrament of Confession, the priest does not say, “I ask Jesus to absolve you”, he says, “I absolve you...” Yes, Christ is there – not shouting – no, he speaks with authority and ease. “Just say the word, and I shall be healed”.

Why waste time arguing with tenants you want out, let the Landlord come and simply give the word. After all, your heart is His home.

Until next time…

God bless you,

Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
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Dear Father Sudano and Father Groeschel, first let me say that I am sure it takes times to create a website that maintains its simplicity, yet reaches the core of its spiritual target, the soul. While we wait nine months for the birth of a child, we can patiently wait for something that will reach and enrich the spirit of our web family. Something very beautiful has happened because of Father Groeschels accident. Personally, I believe this web site is a door opening to souls all over this world. You are the hub. It helps us interact within our immediate community, but also reaching out to others in the world. We can share in your projects as well as support them. I feel we are only scratching the surface. The potential of this web site is a spiritual goldmine. As always, you are always in my prayers, - Gloria(Transplanted Big Apple) Huntington Beach, California

Greeting Father Glenn: If anyone has ever read the "GreyFriar" News..they will know that you are a proficient writer, with many worthy words to share with us all ...Welcome aboard! I am sure the spirit of Father Benedict is with you, and more importantly, the Holy Spirit, as He guides you with words of wisdom, and the Eternal Word, which is His Word! Blessings, - Jacqueline, New York

Dear Fr. Benedict, I am just so grateful to God for you. Where you get the patience to deal with those of us who have taken so much time to understand what it means to follow Jesus, I will never know. You are an example of God's patience. You teach us his Mercy by your kind example. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am going to miss reading your posts to us each day. We love you so much. I am confident that we will be reading posts written by the Friars who know you better and love you more than we do. Thank you for sharing yourself so generously with all of us, who are especially those of us who are so very poor in spirit. Love in Our Lady, - Joanie, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina

Fr. Glenn, Not to worry, I think most of us are patient as we wait for the new phase. Best to take one's time and get it right. May God bless you and all the friars and send the Holy Spirit to aid you in this endeaver. I am sure we are all praying for Fr. Benedict and you along with the friars. - Edward, Warwick, Rhode Island

Dear Fr. Benny, We have met many times. This is my first visit to your web site. I was on the conference in Florida that you were supposed to speak at when you were hit by the car. You have been in my prayers ever since. I am happy to know that you are walking once again. At least you are still with us unlike our friend Monsignor Andy. That was a shock. I have a website too. Maybe you can check it out. Thank you for all you do for priests throughout the world. - Father John F. Gagnier, Diocese of Rochester NY http://www.catholic-church.org/stdominic-shortsville St. Dominic's Parish

Dear Father Benedict, As I read your message today all that came to my mind is: A Shepard's job is Full of long hard hours in the dark of night and in the freezing cold days when the sun only provides us light. Yes a Shepard's job is never done! Yes you are our Shepard here on earth and for all you professed years as a priest I WANT TO THANK YOU ! You are a great inspiration. I thank you for for helping me find my way back to church and closer's to the blessed trinity. I look forward to your weekly messages. Be careful in all you work and May God our Father protect you in you special mission. - Frank, Bethpage, New York

Dear father Groeschel: I've just finished reading and printing out today's message. After reading it, I have just one wish: I hope you have a very blessed and happy anniversary! May the Lord bless you and keep your ministry alive forever! God bless, be well! - "Kiffin", Huntsville, Texas

Thank you Fr. Benedict for all that you are doing......even though your body is still mending. Recently in one of your series on EWTN you mention a "technique'" on how you handle people at funeral homes who wish to go to confession and how you remind them about being ready for their own death. Please give us more info on "little techniques'" of how to handle some of the top 10 problems of saving souls for Christ. I check this site everyday to start my day. God Bless you. - Rose, New York

Delighted to hear about your new evangelisation. every success to you and the friars.God Bless you all. - Mary, Dublin, MN, Ireland

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict