Message of Abbot Paul - Monday 11th July

Message from Fr Paul for Monday, 11th July 2022

 Today we keep the feast of St Benedict, remembering that he was the first saint to be proclaimed Patron of Europe by Pope St Paul VI in 1964. Although I was only a teenager at the time, I remember it well, as it evoked the vital role of Benedictines and Cistercians in the building of a Christian Europe. It’s a feast of hope that not only gives thanks for the past, but looks ahead to what we monks and nuns can still contribute to the re-evangelisation of our Old Continent and the rest of the world. Today, I ask you to pray for us, that we might be courageous and enthusiastic in living the Rule of St Benedict and following the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Our brief Gospel reading for the feast comes from Matthew, (Mt 19: 27-29). 

“Peter spoke to Jesus. ‘What about us?’ he said. ‘We have left everything and followed you. What are we to have, then?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I tell you solemnly, when all is made new and the Son of Man sits on his throne of glory, you will yourselves sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or land for the sake of my name will be repaid a hundred times over, and also inherit eternal life.’”

I must confess, I find this a rather brazen request on the part of Peter, knowing, of course, that he is also speaking for the others. “What do we get out of this? All the sacrifices we are making – what will be our reward?” Was it not enough simply to have the privilege of following Jesus? Surely, to be in the presence and company of Jesus was more than enough? Even so, Jesus understands their frail humanity and the innocence in their request. They will sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. I wouldn’t fancy that job, even though it would be a great honour. The important thing is that they will work with God and for God in the kingdom of heaven. Most important of all, they will be granted eternal life. St Benedict reminds us in the Rule that from the day we become monks, nothing is ours, not even our bodies, all has been given to God. We can do that because he has given himself entirely to us. St Benedict, pray for us all, especially our oblates, parishioners and friends.