Message of Abbot Paul - Friday 15th December 2023
Abbot Paul • December 14, 2023
As in yesterday’s Gospel, today as well Jesus talks with the crowds that follow him of John the Baptist and compares himself with John, asking them what are they looking for. Are they truly searching for the Messiah or are they simply after some form of entertainment? John was an ascetic, refraining from food and drink, yet this didn’t satisfy them. They said he was possessed, mad. Now they follow Jesus, whom they describe, and he quotes them in his own words, “a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” They are like spoilt children, nothing satisfies them. “Yet wisdom has proved herself right by her actions.”
We could ask people today, the world over, who or what are they celebrating with their Christmas lights and decorations? What does any of it really mean? It’s certainly a great commercial festival here in Peru as elsewhere and the opportunity for charitable works. Let’s pray that in the midst of it all, many will discover Jesus, the Saviour who came to redeem the world, sharing God’s love and forgiveness with all who turn to him.
Yesterday I had a relatively quiet day, a day of prayer and recollection. In the evening the dentist called to say that my new crown was ready and that she was ready to install it. What an amazing job she’s done and so quickly and efficiently. Today I’ll be doing a little tourism in Lima with an old friend. He’s threatening to make me walk up the hill of San Cristobal, from where you have the most spectacular views of Lima. I hope it’s a clear day.
Abbot Brendan Reflects on Pope Leo's words to the Benedictines worldwide
July and August 2026: 3 workshops let by Fr Alex Echeandia, Prior of the Monastery of Lurin
9th to 11th January 2026 A weekend for young men to experience the monastic life and join in the prayer and life of the community.
28th November at 6.45pm You are welcome to join an informal service for healing prayer on the last Friday of November. No need to book.
Sat 13th December, 10.00am-12.30am We are delighted that the acclaimed Cistercian writer, Fr Michael Casey will be with us in December.
Monday 1st to Thursday 4th December 2025. Our first Advent retreat in our newly opened guesthouse
Good Shepherd, Good Priest “I will seek the lost and bring back the strayed; I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak.” Those words, spoken by the Lord God through the prophet Ezekiel, describe the heart of God, the Good Shepherd — but they also describe the life and ministry of a good monk and priest. They could well be written of Fr Stephen’s years of service as a pastor in Abergavenny, Swansea, Hereford, and Weobley. In each of those places, he shared in the Shepherd’s work: seeking out the lost, binding up the wounded, strengthening the weary, and leading God’s people with quiet faithfulness. And like Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who came close to his people, Fr Stephen did not serve from a distance. He knew his people; he was among them. He shared their sorrows and their joys, their hopes and their disappointments. He bore their burdens with prayer and patience he brought the joy of the Gospel and the grace of the Sacraments. His mission amongst us is complete. He has served God’s good purpose. So today we ask Christ the Good Shepherd to take Stephen on his sacred shoulders and carry him home to the house of the Father. Bind up his wounds, give him eternal rest and lead him at last to the green pastures and still waters of eternal life.
Br Meinrad and Br Gildas attend a special service with the Benedictine community of St Paul's Outside the Walls with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Honesty and Love Before God: Pharisee and Tax Collector; Pope and King - a homily by Abbot Brendan for the 30th Sunday of the Year.