Message of Abbot Paul - Friday 15th December 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.