Message of Abbot Paul - Monday 14th November 2022

​Remembrance Sunday never fails to move us as each year at this time we remember our war dead and, with them, all those who have died in war to this day, flighting for justice and freedom. May we never cease to appreciate and give thanks for the many sacrifices that have been made by countless individuals so that we might enjoy the many freedoms we now possess.

 

​Today at Belmont we keep the feast of St Dyfrig, the 6th century monk, abbot and bishop, who was born in the year 465, just down the road at Madley. From a very early age he wanted to live the monastic life. He founded large monasteries at Hentland and Moccas and taught Saints Samson and Teilo among many other saints. He was a close friend of Saints Illtud and David and is said to have been Bishop of several sees, Ergynt (based at Weston under Penyard), Caerleon and Llandaff. He would appear to have been the first bishop in Wales. He attended the Synod of Llanddewi Brefi. Although he died on Bardsey Island in the year 550, his body was transferred to Llandaff, where he is one of the saints to which the cathedral is dedicated. The Latin for his name is Dubricius and the Norman, Devereux.

 

​Our Gospel today comes from Luke, (Lk 18: 35-43), the healing of a blind man by Jesus. It’s very moving and beautifully told, as is typical of Luke. “As Jesus drew near to Jericho there was a blind man sitting at the side of the road begging. When he heard the crowd going past, he asked what it was all about, and they told him that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by. So he called out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.’ The people in front scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder, ‘Son of David, have pity on me.’ Jesus stopped and ordered them to bring the man to him, and when he came up, asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Sir,’ he replied ‘let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.’ And instantly his sight returned and he followed him praising God, and all the people who saw it gave praise to God for what had happened.” What most attracts our attention is the fearless insistence of the blind man. The more the crowd tell him to keep quiet, the louder he shouts, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Then, when Jesus asks what he wants, he simply replies, “Sir, let me see again.” He only asks for what is absolutely necessary, his sight, and asks for nothing else. Jesus heals him, saying, “Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.” So, not only does he get his sight back, but his faith has saved him and Jesus assures him of salvation. We pray that all who are healed by Jesus today, may also receive the gift of salvation. Amen.