Message of Abbot Paul - Friday 25th November 2022

​It was a real pleasure to be able to visit my mother yesterday. The journey down, once we reached the Heads of the Valleys part of the A465 at Brynmawr, soon became what I imagine parts of hell to be like: torrential rain so thick you can’t see through it, fearful black skies and 10 miles of muddy roadworks as workers valiantly plod on constructing the new dual carriageway from Dowlais Top to the big Hirwain roundabout. However, once we made it to my mother’s, the rain stopped, the sky turned blue and the sun began to shine. After a spectacular lunch and a quick snooze, we went down to the beach, but the wind was so strong that even Toby had difficulty walking straight. My mother was wise to stay in the car. Later on, after a supper of homemade ravioli, we returned to Belmont in record time. Driving conditions could not have been more different. I’ve often wondered, as God is so merciful and loving, if hell must be redundant.

 

​Today we remember St Catherine of Alexandria, the virgin martyr who died in the year 305 and whom I learned a lot about as a boy buying Catherine wheels for Guy Fawkes! In addition, the local Anglican parish church, a beautiful, miniature cathedral, was dedicated to her. My best friend’s father was the vicar, so we often played there as well as in the cemetery and in the ruins of the old primitive medieval church dedicated to St Baglan. Old age encourages happy memories!

 

​In today’s short Gospel from Luke, (Lk 21: 29-33), Jesus tells his disciples one of several parables about a fig tree. “Think of the fig tree and indeed every tree. As soon as you see them bud, you know that summer is now near. So with you when you see these things happening: know that the kingdom of God is near. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Here Jesus suggests that it won’t be difficult to discern when the world is coming to an end: it will be just like looking at a tree and understanding what season of the year it is. All that we see will one day pass away, God and those who live in God and live by the word of Jesus will not pass away, for God is eternal.