Message of Abbot Paul - Monday 23rd May
Abbot Paul • May 22, 2022
Message from Fr Paul for Monday, 23rd May 2022
In two weeks’ time we will be celebrating the great solemnity of Pentecost, more popularly known in English as Whitsun, referring to the Holy Spirit in the form of a white dove that descended on Jesus after his baptism. In the course of this week, on Thursday, we will keep the solemnity of the Ascension, at which Jesus promised his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit, the power that comes from on high. Today, then, we read from chapters 15 and 16 of John, (Jn 15:26 - 16:4), where Jesus also promises his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit during his Farewell Discourse at the Last Supper. John has packed an enormous amount to teaching into that discourse.
Jesus says to them:
“When the Advocate comes,
whom I shall send to you from the Father,
the Spirit of truth who issues from the Father,
he will be my witness.
And you too will be witnesses,
because you have been with me from the outset.”
Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the Paraclete, in Greek παράκλητος, which means advocate or helper, indicating that he is the essential helper, protector, instructor, advocate and strength of Christians. The presence of the Paraclete guarantees that Christ will continue to live and work in his disciples. In fact, the Spirit will witness to Jesus in his disciples who in turn become witnesses of the truth. Jesus sends us the Spirit from the Father, for he originates from the Father and is the Spirit of truth.
Then comes a further warning, one of many, that the disciples will suffer on account of their faith in Jesus.
“I have told you all this that your faith may not be shaken.
They will expel you from the synagogues,
and indeed the hour is coming
when anyone who kills you
will think he is doing a holy duty for God.
They will do these things
because they have never known
either the Father or myself.
But I have told you all this,
so that when the time for it comes
you may remember that I told you.”
Of course, these words are also meant for us. Jesus’ loving care for us is such that he does not want our faith to be shaken by suffering and persecution. Our own experience of persecution is more likely to be in the form of criticism or ridicule, a more subtle form of attack, but one that is equally wearing and distressing. Young people often experience this at school or later at university or among their work mates. On the other hand, there is also great respect for those who are true to their faith and stick to their ideals, not following current trends and fashions.
Let us pray that the gift of the Holy Spirit will always give us strength and courage to be faithful disciples of Jesus, true to our faith and witnesses to the truth.
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.
Br Meinrad and Br Gildas attend a special service with the Benedictine community of St Paul's Outside the Walls with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Honesty and Love Before God: Pharisee and Tax Collector; Pope and King - a homily by Abbot Brendan for the 30th Sunday of the Year.