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.
A homily by Abbot Brendan at a special Easter Mass for Pope Francis, attended by Catholics from across the Deanery.
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.
