Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From the Hospital

April 5, 2004

Each day I see elderly and chronically ill people for whom life has little left to give. They go on for a variety of reasons, and a little examination will reveal that the reasons are more religious than they might at first appear to be. We live with the illusion that our country is almost totally secularized despite the fact that something like The Passion of the Christ reveals a great deal of religious sentiment. The reason is that God's grace does not depend entirely on our efforts; in fact, it depends very little on us. We are simply the witnesses of grace, and the clergy are often the channels of sacramental grace. How narrow-minded we would be to think that God's grace is limited to our efforts.

Our Lord's life reveals that He was often accepted by sinners and people with little apparent religious conviction, like the woman at the well (John 4). We who are devout Christians should not be discouraged by the secularism we see all around us. Unseen and unknown, Christ is calling and the Holy Spirit is at work.

I received a letter recently from a Carmelite nun. In an earlier letter to her, I had remarked how difficult it must be today to live in a cloister when the environment everywhere is so secular. Sister wrote back, telling me of the warm reception and great interest their little Carmel had received from the people in their area. She said that although many had no knowledge of the faith, they still felt called to pray and try to find a way to God.

We all need to learn that God does His work in us and that we are simply His instruments. Believe me, after being in the hospital, I can say that our country is far more religious that it sometimes appears.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict

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Beautiful Father Groeschel -- While my sister, mother, and myself try to adopt your oft-repeated credo "remain calm" as a useful mantra in life, watching your medical miracle via the miracle of the WWW is not one of those moments where calm is called for. Words cannot adequately convey the joy your followers feel in seeing you speak with such clarity and vitality during this time of trial. My heart is united with all those who love, and learn from, you as you continue your lifelong apostolate of teaching us to love, and learn from, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Wishing every blessing to you and your dedicated and talented Franciscans. All of our love and gratitude,-The Burkhardt Girls of Boca Raton, Florida,

Dear Father Glenn: as I was just writing to Fr. Benedict...my computer downloaded Father's video and message...I screamed with such delight that my elderly mother ran over to see for herself, that indeed, it WAS Father from his hospital bed..speaking to us. All I can offer is from Psalm 119: " Your word is a lamp to my feet...and a light for my path." Praised be Jesus.( a friend in N.Y.)-Jacqueline, Batavia, New York

Dear Suffering Soul, YOUR, "Taste of Hell", is nourishing many. Thank You.- Richard E.,Providence, Rhode Island

Oh, Dear Father! God DOES want you! And WE want you! I guess we won! Seriously, though, God does want you here on earth for who knows how long, so that you may continue to lead us ever closer to Him. It is so good to see you, that must have been a big effort to speak to us, but I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You look wonderful, and you sound even better! Please rest, and thanks for reminding us how much we need to trust God. We love you so much! -Mary Grace, St. Paul, Minnesota

Dear Fr. Benedict; I sit here crying tears of joy at hearing your voice and seeing your beautiful face for the first time in months. Praise Jesus!! I am so grateful to God, Our Father for his love of you and for the extraordinary example of his love given through you and the Friars. I thank Him profoundly for the gift of you. You remain in my heart & prayers for a full recovery. love & prayers-Dorie, Monroe, New York

Dear Fr. Benedict, I was so sorry to hear of this terrible accident. I wanted you to know that I will pray for you. I have been attending RCIA classes at St Leo The Great in Fairfax Virginia and am very proud that I will be confirmed at Easter Vigil. I look forward to having direction and purpose in my life through Jesus and my church. Sincerely- Michelle, Fairfax, Virginia

I'm 14 years old and I met Fr. Groeschel last year at Holy Innocents in NYC, where I'm from. I'm living in Florida now and I want Father to know that I am praying for his complete recovery. So are my parents and all our church family at Holy Family Church in Orlando. Sincerely,-Angel, Celebration, Florida

Father Benedict, As a mother of 5 children, I am sending you a big kiss for the "boo boo" on your head (and all the other boo boos you have). As the Lord heals our bodies, he also heals the hidden pains in our hearts. From someone who has experienced both types of healing! Love in Christ Jesus,-Jaime, Knoxville, Tennessee

Dear Fr. Benedict, Thank you for doing GREAT things, with GREAT love. God wants you alright, right where you are! We thank God that He does too!! With love and continued prayers for your complete recovery,-Alice and family, kissimmee, Florida

Dearest Fr. Benedict, What a wonderful surprise! I check in on you daily via the CFR site. Your words are so meaningful and your faith is a testament of God's love. We having been praying for you since we first heard of your tragic accident. We continue to pray for your recovery. I was so overcome with emotion watching you from your hospital bed. The tears instantly came and continue with the thoughts of you and sound of your voice still echoing in my mind. I remember praying so fervently for you to be off the vent and breathing on your own. I am so relieved that God has listened to all of our prayers and has allowed you the grace to heal and preach to us again. May God's love wash over you and heal you completely through His Son, Jesus Christ. With prayers and affection,-Mary, Hampton, New Hampshire

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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