Message of Abbot Paul - All Souls - 2nd November 2023

Yesterday was a day of great joy and thanksgiving for the Belmont Community as we celebrated the Frist Profession of our two novices, Br Meinrad Earley and Br Gildas Dudonis. Br Meinrad is from Liverpool, while Br Gildas is from Lithuania. As I was the celebrant of the Mass, I was unable to take a photograph for the website, so I don’t have one to share with you. I ask you to join with me in praying for their perseverance in the monastic life, that in three years’ time they will take their Solemn Vows and commit themselves for life as monks of Belmont Abbey.

Today we celebrate All Souls Day, praying especially for the dead. Indeed, the month of November is set apart for us to pray for the faithful departed and all the dead who need our prayers. One of the Gospel choices for today comes from Matthew (Mt 11: 25-30) and ends with the words, “Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.” What could be sweeter to our ears than the voice of Jesus who invites us to come to him? Who doesn’t work hard, who isn’t overburdened at the present moment? I think of all those worried for their own lives and the lives of their loved ones, worried for the future and for their children, especially in Ukraine, Sudan and Yemen, Gaza, Palestine and Israel. In the midst of war and turmoil, there is Jesus who gives us rest, Jesus who is our peace. He asks us to love one another as he has loved us. He offers to help us carry our burdens, for his yoke is easy and his burden light. As we pray this month for our beloved dead, let us also pray for ourselves, who were born to die, not for ever but to this world only. After all, Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. Let us accept his invitation each day and allow him to walk with us as our friend and companion on the road that leads to eternal life. Amen.