Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

Available Now
Good Friday
Video Series

"The Wounds of Christ and The Wounds of The Church"

Order Your Copy at:
www.grassrootsrenewal.com

From the Hospital:

Message for April 7, 2004, Wednesday of Holy Week

We all know that we need to be sorry for our sins, and yet we seem to know it much less than we used to. Personal penance, which in some way was painful or unpleasant, was part of the Christian life. For Catholics it meant fasting, extra prayers, generosity to the poor, and just putting up with life without complaining.

Somehow in the last few decades we moved away from any unpleasantness in fulfilling our Christian duties. We felt we had to have cushy padded kneelers in church. We now have practically no Eucharistic fast, and our current Lenten fast would have brought laughter to the early Christians or even to those of the early twentieth century. Penance is supposed to be tough. As the three sacred days of Holy Week approach, those of us in the hospital have little opportunity to do traditional penances. Because of illness we also feel that we are doing enough. Perhaps a lot of other people who are not in the hospital but who have severe problems, heavy crosses, or chronic difficulties with family all feel that they too are doing enough. But this is a time to do more, or to do better what we always do, and to do it with much love for Christ.

Because of the film The Passion, millions of people this year have a better awareness of what Christ suffered for us. Penance is the scriptural way of showing one's gratitude.

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Dear Father Benedict, I ordered your "Good Friday" video and have already received and viewed it. I enjoyed it very much and will be happy to have it and share it with family and friends for years to come. I am very glad that I also ordered the CD "Reasons to Believe". I think that it will be helpful to anyone who hears it. I pray that our Almighty Healer will have you well very soon.-Anne, Wheaton, Illanois

I will pray for you. Brother in God.-Michael, POLAND Krakow, SK

God Bless you Father Benedict....Like St. Clare was able to attend the Easter vigil in Assisi when she was ill, I pray that you will have the same grace. You are loved,-Sean, YUGOSLAVIA Pristina, Kosovo

Dear Fr. Groeschel, What is there to say that all these good people haven't already said but to continue to say that we love you and are praying for your complete recovery. We can also thank God for his grace and mercy in your recovery. I often think of the person who hit you and pray for God's help there, too. Anxiously awaiting your appearance on EWTN,-Peggy, Erie, Pennsylvania

Dear Fr. Benedict, I pray for you and I am glad you survived. Do you still remember me? I met you in Wichita at the Catholic Family conference a few years ago. I sat on your lap after you showed me your finger trick. I still know that trick. I heard your speech on the video. I am making my First Communion on April 18th. Please pray for me. With prayers, Clare Riordan, age 8. Solomon, Kansas

Dear Father Groeschel, you are a faithful vehicle for His word even in your painful circumstances. It is so good to hear you say that God's grace does not depend entirely on our works! There's still hope for us, seeing how we fail to do many things which we could do for Him. Thanks for putting yourself at the service of His word, with us as beneficiaries...for free...gratis!-Carlos, Guayama, Puerto Rico

Dear Father Benedict, Thank you for your example of hope in the the midst of personal suffering. Prior to your accident your programs on EWTN spoke deeply to me and were one of the reasons I joined an RCIA class last September. This Saturday I will be one of the readers at Our Lady of Sorrows (Birmingham, AL)for the Easter Vigil, honored but humbled, and most appreciative that the direcor asked me to participate in this way since I cannot yet be confirmed (which is another story I won't bore you with). But the journey continues, and your example of patience is also having its effect in my life. May God continue to bless you as you bless so many others. I hope to see you some day in poerson and convey my thanks to you face to face. -Jim, Birmingham, Alabama

dear Fr. Benedict, you are in my prayers. As your message to us speaks of the effect or god's grace in the world today, I just wanted to share this gift with you. My mother-in law, whom I love deeply, is on her cross, suffering with terminal cancer. Today she made her profession of faith ,became a catholic and received her first holy communion and annointing.This is truly and example of joy in suffering.The peace of Christ be with you. Thanking God for your priesthood, -Maureen, Northport, New York

I liked your message today, it is indeed comforting to know that Our Lord let's the rain to fall on the just and the unjust, may the sun (Son)shine on you and keep healing.-Mrs J Glen Rock, New Jersey

Dear Fr. Benedict, We all missed you at the recent convocation at Fordham, but you became present through the beautiful testimony of Fr. Glen. He was able to bring you ther and allow us all to embrace you and pray for your continued recovery. God bless you. Jerry & Mary P.S. We were also brought back to our prilgrimage with you to the Holy Land...fond, fond memories!-Jerry & Mary Dobbs Ferry, New York

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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