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.
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We are sad to announce that Fr Stephen died on Monday 21st October 2055. He was 94. He died peacefully in hospital, having recently fractured his shoulder. He was a beloved member of the monastic community, who had settled back at Belmont after many years on Belmont parishes, including in Abergavenny, Swansea, Hereford and Weobley. He will be much missed. His Requiem Mass will be at Belmont on Wednesday, 5th November at 11.30am followed by burial in the monastic cemetery. The Reception of his Body into the Abbey Church will take place on Tuesday, 4th November, at 5.45pm.
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From Francis to Leo: A special event with Christopher Lamb of CNN in conversation with Austin Ivereigh who commentated for the BBC on the transition from Pope Francis to Pope Leo.
On 12th June an Ecumenical Service was held at Hereford Cathedral to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea.
