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.
Pope Francis RIP Pope 2013-2025 Born 1936, Died 2025 We are deeply saddened at the passing of Pope Francis. As the successor of St Peter he has been a spiritual father and shepherd to the church in our day, challenging us, and calling as to reach out to those on the peripheries. He was the first Jesuit Pope, but took the name Francis after the Poor Man of Assisi who modelled for him a closeness to the poor, a concern for those on the margins of society and a care for all of creation In his preaching Pope Francis always spoke of the joy of the Gospel and encouraged us to reflect the joy of our faith in our lives. He showed the compassion of Jesus to everyone. He worked tirelessly for the unity of the church and travelled even to non-Christian countries promoting a message of peace. He has left a great legacy. With the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio with the community over Easter we were able to express our closeness to the Holy Father in his final suffering. There will be a special Mass at Belmont this Thursday 24th April at 11am to pray for Pope Francis as he makes his final journey to the house of the Father. On the day of his funeral, the Office of the Dead will be sung, and Mass that day will be a Requiem. May the angels lead him into paradise; may the martyrs receive him at his arrival and lead him to the holy city Jerusalem. May choirs of angels receive him and with Lazarus, the poor man grant him eternal rest." (The In Paradisum, words from the Funeral Liturgy)
We were were honoured and delighted to be joined by the Apostolic Nuncio to celebrate Easter. His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía is the representative of the Holy See in Great Britain, and therefore of the Holy Father. His presence on Easter Sunday morning brought us more consciously in communion with Pope Francis, the successor of St Peter, as we heard the Gospel story of Peter running to the tomb. His patron saint is St Michael, so afterwards, at a festive lunch we were able to present him with some Belmont cufflinks with the monastery coat of arms - very similar to his as Archbishop. We were able to pray for him and his work in this country.
