Message of Abbot Paul - Monday 8th August

Message from Fr Paul for Monday, 8th August 2022

Thinking it to be a day of rest, people often ask me what I do on a Sunday, imagining that after the particular Mass they see me at, I can just put up my feet and have an easy day. From time to time, I wish it were like that, but let me give you a summary of yesterday as an example. Having woken up about 4.30am, I prayed for a while before my morning ablutions and then checked emails and other messages that might have come in overnight. I then went out with Toby and, like him, took in the early morning scene as the seasons change. We said the Angelus and the Rosary together, he listening devoutly, I saying the words and fingering the beads. Then came the offices of Vigils and Lauds, celebrated in choir with the community, followed by our daily Chapter and preparations for the 8.30 Mass. After a quick breakfast and some reading, there was the first Parish Mass, quiet, simple and prayerful. Then I took a break from duties and accompanied Toby with his football on the playing fields, which concluded by feeding our ravenous fish, the only fish I know that can swim out of the water, balancing on their tails, as they eagerly wait for their breakfast. Then came Toby’s breakfast, lovingly prepared by his faithful servant. After a quiet time and some reading, I went down to church to prepare for the 11 o’clock Mass, which is live streamed. After clearing everything away and taking a brisk walk with Toby, I caught up with emails or did some serious reading. Then came Midday Office, lunch and recreation with the brethren. This was followed by a Baptism. The parents and godparents and most of the guests were Lithuanian, so I asked Br Alvidas to accompany me and read the two scripture passages in Lithuanian. They were such lovely people. Just as we were finishing, our Ukrainian friends arrived from Gloucester to celebrate the Ukrainian Liturgy, which they do on the first Sunday of each month. There is a growing Ukrainian community in Herefordshire, which will increase as time goes on, especially as the war shows no sign of abating and I doubt Mr Putin will want to give back what he has taken and destroyed. There followed a sick communion, Toby’s supper, Vespers and Benediction, a light supper, Compline and then sitting down to write this message. The day will be rounded off by a long walk with Toby in the cool of the evening, a reminder of the story of Creation and God walking with Adam in the Garden of Eden. And I have yet to put my feet up!

 Today we celebrate the feast of St Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers, the Dominicans. We pray for his intercession for the mission of the Church to proclaim the Gospel to all creatures. Our Gospel reading comes from Matthew, (Mt 17: 22-27), and begins with Jesus reminding his disciples yet again of the Passion he must undergo. “One day when they were together in Galilee, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘The Son of Man is going to be handed over into the power of men; they will put him to death, and on the third day he will be raised to life again.’ And a great sadness came over them.” We can’t help but notice that they do not follow what he is saying about rising from the dead to new life on the third day. It’s as though Jesus had ended his words with, “they will put him to death.” This teaches us to listen carefully to what Jesus has to say, to listen to every word and at no time to switch off, as often we do, and not only with Jesus, but among ourselves as well. Jesus teaches us the art of listening. We have much to learn.