Message of Abbot Paul - Monday 3rd July 2023
Abbot Paul • July 3, 2023
Today, 3rd July, the Church keeps the feast of the Apostle Saint Thomas, who from among the group of apostles is often heard to speak, especially in the Gospel according to John. For example, Thomas solicits from Jesus the famous words, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn 14: 6). Again, Thomas is unexplainably absent on the first Easter evening when Jesus appears to the disciples in the Upper Room. We read this account in today’s Gospel passage, (Jn 20: 24-29).
“Thomas, called the Twin, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. When the disciples said, ‘We have seen the Lord’, he answered, ‘Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my finger into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe.’ Eight days later the disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. The doors were closed, but Jesus came in and stood among them. ‘Peace be with you’ he said. Then he spoke to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; look, here are my hands. Give me your hand; put it into my side. Doubt no longer but believe.’ Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him:
‘You believe because you can see me.
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.’”
Thomas was not prepared simply to rely on the word of his fellow apostles. He wanted to see for himself. “Unless I see, I will not believe.” There’s a certain stubbornness here, and yet that doesn’t appear to be the reason for Thomas demanding to see and feel for himself. He wants to be like his fellow apostles; he wants the full Resurrection experience. He wants to see his Lord and embrace him for himself, such is his love and devotion for Jesus. A week later, on the Octave of Easter, Thomas gets his chance. His reaction, when the time comes, is one of humble affection. He sinks to his knees and utters, “My Lord and my God,” the highest expression of Christology in the New Testament. Once he sees Jesus and hears his voice, he has no need to touch those glorious wounds. We pray that we might be among the blessed who have not seen and yet believe.
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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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On 12th June an Ecumenical Service was held at Hereford Cathedral to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea.
