Message of Abbot Paul - Monday 7th June
Message from Fr Paul for Monday 7th June 2021
It was good to visit my osteopath again yesterday afternoon. I always enjoy a ride out into the country and it gave Toby the opportunity to rummage around an old cemetery on our way back, as well as spend an hour or so in the garden playing with a young blonde retriever called Sofie. If truth be told, Toby can be a grumpy old dog at times, especially when confronted with a lively youngster who’s desperately trying to get him to play. At Tyberton church, I visited the grave of fondly remembered Belmont parishioners and said a prayer for them, then went into the church to pray and sing the Salve Regina. I always get the feeling that the ancient stones remember the old Catholic chants with nostalgic affection.
Today we start our weekday Mass reading of Matthew’s Gospel at Chapter 5, (Mt 5: 1-12), the Beatitudes, with which the Sermon on the Mount begins. The sermon, as we all recognise, is a masterpiece, a compendium of the teaching of Jesus on the Law, on our relationship with God, with creation and with one another. It comprises teaching given by Jesus on many occasions and in many places and often repeated. Matthew has put it into order in a systematic way that reflects the composition of his Gospel. It begins is an enigmatic way: “Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:” No mention is made of the name of the hill or mount, but we are reminded of Moses giving the Law to Israel on Mount Sinai. Is Jesus escaping from the crowds or placing himself in a higher position so that they can hear him? He sits down to teach like a lawgiver. We are told that he is joined by his disciples. So, is this teaching for everyone or just for his closest associates? What is certain is that once placed at this strategic point in the Gospel, his teaching is meant for all who read or hear it, especially in the Christian assembly. It’s important to remember that the Gospels and the scriptures in general were written to be read by the believing community when gathered for prayer.
Here is the text of the Beatitudes found in the lectionary. I’m not sure if happy is an adequate translation for the original Greek; perhaps blessed is nearer the mark.
“How happy are the poor in spirit;
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy the gentle:
they shall have the earth for their heritage.
Happy those who mourn:
they shall be comforted.
Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right:
they shall be satisfied.
Happy the merciful:
they shall have mercy shown them.
Happy the pure in heart:
they shall see God.
Happy the peacemakers:
they shall be called sons of God.
Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you
and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven:
this is how they persecuted the prophets before you.”
A good spiritual exercise for today would be to look at the Beatitudes and see which apply to you and which, perhaps, do not. Think about what it means to be “poor in spirit,” for example, or “pure in heart.” Am I gentle or merciful? Am I in mourning? It can take a lifetime to adjust to the death of a loved one. Do I hunger and thirst for what is right, for justice, integrity and the truth? Do I feel persecuted or taken advantage of, abused in some way, misunderstood or not appreciated? Do I work towards the peace of the world or at home? Do I really care for God’s gift of creation and for my fellow beings? Do I feel God’s presence with me? Too many questions, forgive me!
