Message of Abbot Paul - Friday 1st December 2023

​Yesterday was long, tiring and, at times, tedious. In the morning, a trustees’ meeting that seemed to go on and on. In the afternoon, I went over to Bromyard with Toby for Mass. The drive back took much longer than usual, as there had been an accident on the road up to Belmont. ​At certain times of day, having to drive through Hereford can be a nightmare. Where does all the traffic come from? How many traffic lights are there from one side of town to another? I look back with longing to those idyllic days in Peru a lifetime ago when much of the pastoral work was done on horseback. Today Toby and I will be visiting my mother again, a lot of driving, but at least a day of rest.

 

Today’s Gospel passage from Luke (Lk 21: 29-33), the parable of the fig tree, comes as a respite after the grim predictions in recent readings, although Jesus does refer back to them, but in terms of fruition and fulfilment. Jesus is speaking with his disciples, “Think of the fig tree and indeed every tree. As soon as you see them bud, you know that summer is now near.” We can all read these signs in nature. During the long Winter months, we look forward to Spring, when everything will burst into life and show the first signs of bearing fruit. Jesus then compares the signs that precede the end of the world with those that nature gives. “So with you, when you see these things happening: know that the kingdom of God is near.” This is a gloriously positive image, not of destruction, but of harvest, God’s plan of salvation for all that he has created. What Jesus says next, at first sight, appears not to have been fulfilled, however, on a personal, individual level, it does happen with each person who is embraced by the arms of death. “I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all will have taken place.” Jesus ends with those immortal and uplifting words that fill our hearts with encouragement, confidence and joy: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” God is eternal, his Word is eternal, and, in him, we too, through faith and baptism, are eternal. There is so much to give thanks for to God.