Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From Fr. Richard Roemer

Monday September 5, 2004

Dear Friends:

“WORK BRINGS FREEDOM” reads the infamous sign at the Auschwitz death camp, notorious for its false promises. In that case it was a lie, but it isn’t a bad question to ask ourselves about our own work ethic on this Labor Day weekend.

Along with a good excuse for a barbecue (friars included, don’t you worry!), this holiday can be a holy day if we remember to thank God for the dignity of labor which is one of the ways we are evidently made in His image and likeness. We are able to participate in the Lord’s work of creation and re-creation, whether our chosen instrument is a hammer, a keyboard, a textbook, or an iron.

The fact that God rested, however, is a reminder that we must “work as if everything depends on God, and pray as if it does as well” – despite what the popular cliché says. This doesn’t necessarily mean less productivity, but less stress. Regularly offering our work to the Lord lifts us out of a slavish drudgery up to a liberating generosity. As the Scriptures tell us “If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do the builders labor” and “apart from Me you can do nothing”. Thus re-creation is what we are to re-visit on this day off: that is, does the way I work allow God to work with me, through me, on me, so that I begin to look more like that amazing Son of the carpenter and Son of the Builder? (You know we’re not talking about Bob!) Let’s pray for one another that our portion of work brings us His freedom.

Fr. Richard Roemer, CFR
Community Vicar, residing at St. Joseph Friary in Harlem
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Fr. Benedict is very special to us in Ireland. I pray that some day his order will come to Ireland seeking vocations. We could do with a lot of his outspokenness regarding loyalty to the Catholic faith, the magisteruim and John Paul II. I continue to rem Fr. Benedict in my prayers. Sincere good wishes ........... - Vera, Raheny, Dublin

Dear Fr. Glen and Fr. Benedict, Having reached the age where the Oreo Cookie diet is no longer effective, I have taken to working out body and soul by listening to Fr. Benedict's tapes while on the treadmill. Thanks for all your hard work and caring hearts. - Jeanne, Iowa City

We look forward to the new series. we are most thankful for Fr. Benedict's recovery. God bless. love from
adele and Greg an Our Lady of Victories, Jersey City, New Jersey graduate

Dear Fr. Benedict, Thank you so much for all your writings in your web site, for taking the time and energy. We surely are very thankful and blessed that you still will be able to write it on Sundays. I'll be looking forward to watch the new series you will be presenting in EWTN this fall. God bless you always. Love, - Rocio,

Fr. Sudano: I recently read a book entitled "Fit Bodies, Fat Minds" which echos your comments of 9/3. We, especially in America, would do well to give at least equal time to the fitness of our souls. Thank you for your poignant comments. - Joy, Indianapolis, Indiana

I am 'tuned in' daily to your words of wisdom. The reminder of the evil which can 'lurk in the corner' is SO VALID! Also, sometimes our computers can be included with our TVs, if we don't use caution. When I was given a computer (with the web/email), I 'gave' it to Our Lord and promised I would use it only for good. How much good is available, if we but 'tune in' to these good sites! Thank you all for serving in a beautiful capacity. - Dolores, Iowa

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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