Dear friends of Fr. Benedict,

From the Hospital:

Message for Tuesday, April 20, 2004

Disappointments came into the lives of our Blessed Savior and of our Lady, as well as many of the saints, perhaps all of them. As we make our way through life, we hope for certain good outcomes, certain positive experiences, certain blessings for ourselves and others. I was expecting this week to go to a very fine treatment center, which specializes in physical therapy. Unfortunately, I ran into a common infection that people get in hospitals, and this will delay my going to the treatment center.

I had to stop and think how disappointed our Lord was with His disciples, with the failure of the people of Jerusalem to receive His message. I know He must have been terribly disappointed by the ultimate rejection of His entire preaching and apostolic work. His life was filled with disappointments, but in the end they were overcome by His glorious Resurrection.

Each of us has to face disappointments in life-with others, with events and circumstances. We should not fail to see that they are part of the Christian life if we unite them with our beloved God and with Christ in serving His people.

Let us continue to pray for each other!

Father Benedict

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We certainly will pray for complete recovery of your right arm here at the Basilica of Saint Mary. While it heals, im sure you are practicing with the hidden ambidexterity soon to discover. It is so wonderful that you can talk into your computer and it will type for you. We love you, especially me, and thank you for all your tapes that keep rolling for us. God let you stay with us so it will be interesting to see what you inspire us all with next. My powerful right arm is on yours.-Charlie, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Father Ben, I read your reflection today (Easter Thursday)and was deeply moved by it. I don't know if the Lord plans to call you home any sooner because of the trauma you suffered. I do know that the cross he has given you to carry now contains the weight of your injuries. Your faith is strong and you are an inspiration to me. Arounf the same time you suffered your injuries I had a cancer operation and an still in the fighting phase. My faith haas never been greater. I had a life of perfect health for 56 years then cancer - the dreaded C word. I trust in the Lord and he is healing me. Thank you for your faithfulness to our Beloved Lord Jesus. You are in my prayers and the prayers of my Secular Franciscan Fraternity. Pax et Bonum-Phil, Baltimore, MaryLand

Dear Father Benedict, Like so many thousands of others throughout the world, I check in on you almost every day. I read and listen to your words, but I also read the letters that are published on the website. The thing that strikes me the most in these letters is that there are a few common threads woven throughout them. The first is the reality that we ALL suffer. Whether it's from illness, pain, depression, death of a loved one, loss of a job..., we all suffer. But those of us who visit this site also are making daily offerings of our suffering in union with Jesus on the Cross. That's a lot of pain being offered up. Also, despite all the pain, there are so many words of Praise, Encouragement, Faith, Thanksgiving, and Hope. It seems that a summary of our Faith is being lived out daily and witnessed on these pages. So, keep the faith, keep your hope as we all pray for you, and you pray for us. God Bless.-Lisa, Austin, Texas

Dear Father Benedict, Me & my family were so excited to see your live message from your hospital bed on T V last Wed night on E W T N live!!We always turn it to Fr. Mitch"s show to catch up on the latest news & to check out his guest, & was pleasantly surprised to catch your live message!! You really are lucky to be alive, & we hope to see other updates from you. My family continues to pray for you!! Love-Connie, Auburn, New York

Dear Father Benedict: Our little Lutheran parish has remembered you in our prayers since your accident in January. Prayer is a wonderful comfort and a great source of strength. We are grateful that you have celebrated another Easter with is . Indeed, Christ is risen! Your friend,-Pastor Terrence, Kings Park, New York

Just wanted to say I and many others enjoy your talks and pray you get better! Thank you for being a great priest and I look forward to hearing more of your talks!- Kim, Evansville, Indanapolis

Dear Father Benedict: I thank God that you continue teaching us even though you are still in recovery. Your words are full of wisdo, especially in referring of the question of suffering and evil in the world. Our God is an Owesome God. He writes straight on crooked lines, be those lines an auto accident, a concentration camp or an armed conflagration. May the Good Lord be always with you and give you the strength to turn this moment of "evil" you are going through into a splendor of light through your teachings and observations for His greatest honor and glory. God loves you and so do all of us.-Lupe, Burbank, California

Father Groeschel you have helped me grow in my Catholic faith. I pray for your recovery. God bless you always.-Theresa, Ocean View, Delaware

Dear Fr. Groschel, You look so happy sitting upright in your wheelchair. I am glad your progress has brought you this far along, thanks be to God! My continued prayers for your recovery and that soon you may be home with your community . For your powerful witness, thanks be to God. Sincerely,-Gloria, El Monte, California

Dear Father Benedict, I was so happy this morning to see the picture of you sitting up, in your habit, surrounded by your fellow friars and sisters. You look wonderful!! I printed the picture for my mother, who does not have internet access. It did my heart good to see you smiling. As always, I pray daily for your continued recovery. With much love,-Mary, Jersey City

Send your greetings to Fr. Benedict

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