Message of Abbot Paul - Friday 1st December 2023
Abbot Paul • November 30, 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.
Abbot Brendan Reflects on Pope Leo's words to the Benedictines worldwide
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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.
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