Message of Abbot Paul - Monday 11th December 2023
Abbot Paul • December 11, 2023
I found yesterday quite tiring, what with celebrating the Conventual Mass at 11am and meeting with Br Mario and his Oblates at 10am. Then, in the afternoon, an old friend came to see me. However, I’ve not got over the Flu or cold I had at Belmont, and I feel knocked out much of the time. The five hour time difference doesn’t help, especially in the evening. The climate is a pleasant 23C and a warm, gentle breeze comes off the ocean: we’re just a quarter of a mile away. Being in the monastery grounds is rather like being in an earthly paradise, what with the amazing collection of birds and flowers. Yesterday was Br Mateo’s turn to cook: all the monks are excellent chefs. They could take part in Masterchef and win!
Our Gospel passage today comes from Like, (Lk 5: 27-26), the healing of the paralytic let down through the roof by his friends. People from all over had come to see and hear Jesus, and they included Pharisees and doctors of the Law. We are told the the Power of the Lord was behind his works of healing. Suddenly, a group of men appear carrying on his bed a paralysed man, who they try to bring in and lay before Jesus. Seeing that there is no access, they opt to carry him up onto the roof, where they can make a hole and let him down before Jesus. “Seeing their faith, he said, ‘My friend, your sins are forgiven you.’” The scribes and Pharisees are convinced that he has spoken blasphemy, as God alone can forgive sin. Jesus hears this and asks which is it easier to say, your sins are forgiven you or take up your bed and walk? To prove that he can forgive sin, he says to the man, “Take up your bed and go home.” The man obeys the order given by Jesus and goes home praising God. All who saw what happened, were astounded and filled with awe and praised God, saying, “We have seen amazing things today.” The scribes and Pharisees have been silenced for the moment.
Abbot Brendan Reflects on Pope Leo's words to the Benedictines worldwide
July and August 2026: 3 workshops let by Fr Alex Echeandia, Prior of the Monastery of Lurin
9th to 11th January 2026 A weekend for young men to experience the monastic life and join in the prayer and life of the community.
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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Honesty and Love Before God: Pharisee and Tax Collector; Pope and King - a homily by Abbot Brendan for the 30th Sunday of the Year.