Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

Letter from the hospital

Sunday March 28

One of the most important things to do in sickness or trouble or disaster or hurt in our lives is not to lose heart. It would be wonderful if we never lost heart at all. But, as with most things in the spiritual life, "it ain't so simple." To keep your trust and confidence, you most constantly be able to deal with disappointment, with a sense of free- falling into disaster, and of looking into the distance and seeing the horrible monster called "loss of faith."

When things go badly, a phrase comes to me: "keep the faith." I was talking to a wonderful young woman I've known all her life. She is in the last stages of Lou Gehrig's disease, but manages to talk to you with the technical miracle of a computer that operates from her eye. Unable to move, she wrote to me recently, "I keep my faith." This is what we all must do. It isn't a simple choice. It's like loving someone. You've got to go over and over it again. Most people have crises in their lives, and a great many people have disasters. In every life comes sorrow. But in only some lives, comes sorrow. Anne Morrow Lindbergh turned to the crucifix in Hour of Gold, Hour of Lead.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict

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Hi Fr. Benedict I am not thinking as clearrly as I want, but I AM understanding that to suffer is the ultimate love excersie. If we all understood that, and could see into the hearts of those who suffer, in the core, or shall I say in the Corpus, we'd see our Lord. Many of us are stuck or lost in the woods and afraid, but we have Christ to look to and you as well. But just think the woods are beginning to bloom, there will be fragrant petals on them soon and birds singing in the branches. Maybe by Easter we will have forgotten just how hard the wood of our cross, the wood of Jesus' cross was when Easter Sunday comes.-Lorrie Mac, Robbinsville, New Jersey

Dear Father Groeschel: During one of my depressions I happened to watch a program of yours on TV. I have read some of your books and watch your program as often as possible. At one time I had viewed my life much like an insignificant grain of sand but after listening to you and reading your words, I realized that each little grain of sand joined with others makes a beautiful beach, which gives warmth, comfort and respite to others in need. I thank you for your help. I pray to our Father and our Lady to help bring you the energy needed to heal.-CJT, New Hampshire

Dear Father, Thankyou, for reminding us about "Offering it up." A teaching I was brought up with. When I first heard about your accident my deepest prayer to Our Lord was "please Father we still need hero's." Praise God for allowing you to still be with us. We need your wisdom in a crazy world that never takes the time to listen any more. Fr. Glen's daily updates of your health, that have turned into your daily reflections, make having the internet worthwhile. Thankyou again.-Charlene, Manchester New Hampshire

Dear Father B. How Do you do it? I'm amazed! Somehow, you manage to reach out from your hospital bed and in one small paragraph plunk your finger right on the heart of the matter??? It should be obvious to me that I have to keep on keeping on saying, "Thy will be done." Yet, somehow, it's so easy for us to get caught up in the everyday act of living - and forget. Thank you for turning the lightbulb back on in my head! We all have so much to be grateful for...and you, Dear Father, are right up there high on the list! God bless you! And may your day be filled with peace!-Stephanie, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

God bless you Father Benedict. May you continue to heal with the minimun of pain and my your physical therapists be angels to help you through the rest of this journey that Our Lord has given you to follow. Each day your "Hospital notes" seem to get richer in thought. Yesterday, you said about 'offering it up'(the pain): "It would be wonderful if we could always do this bravely and with a smile, but that may not be realistic or necessary. The mere fact that we try, that we don't give up, that we go on in the darkness is sufficient indication that we are trying to please God, and surely He must see it this way." I know that those 2 sentences spoke to many more people than myself. I have COPD, Chronic Lung Disease, and sometimes it's very hard to smile. It's also a very hard disease for your family members to understand what you are going through. Your words gave me comfort in my daily attempt to "offer it up". I know that you know the pain of "air hunger" having just been weaned off the respirator. Thank you so much for pushing on and continuing to do Jesus's work.-Alene, Louisiana

Dear Father, I have been following your web since your acident, so much did it change me!! It is the Holy Spirit in you that make all these people write and change their life because of you. Please pray for some one dear to me that feel a calling to follow Christ in a special way love and my prayers.- Evelyn, Mt.Laurel, New Jersey

Dear Father Glen...I am going to go through every one of the emails and make note of all the special words of wisdom from the writers....This is an especially short piece of solace here, it is simply "GOD'S LOVE IS OUR CURE.... His FAITH is the doctor, and His HOPE is the nurse. Out of the many words I have read thus far...I picked those out especially because I thought Father Benedict could use those words for a new book title, encompassing his present trial of spirituality. Please pass that along to him, to dwell upon for consideration. We DO continue to pray for each other!-Jackie, in New York

Dear Fr. Benedict: Though I am not of the Catholic faith, I so admire you and your faith in our Lord and Savior. I travel to Rome quite often and have lit candles in your name at St. Peter's Basilica on several occasions. I was so elated to hear that you are able to again speak. Glory be to our Holy Father.-Stuardt, Oakland, California

Dear Father Benedict: We are so thankful to God for your continued recovery. Just by the flow of emails, from all corners of the world, it is evident how the Lord is using you for HIS greater glory. Just wanted to let you know our corner of the world at Our Lady of Lourdes in Massapequa is praying for you before the Blessed Sacrament daily. AVE MARIA!-Cindy, Massapequa, New York

It is so good to read your little messages from the hospital! You really are amazing! Thanks for your example which speaks so much louder than words! You remind me of the words of St. Francis "preach the Gospel at all times, if necessary, use words" God bless! Bernice,osf , Wilmington, Delaware

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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