Message of Abbot Paul - Saturday - 13th April 2024

​It was a great joy to welcome the Lord-Lieutenant, Mr Edward Harley CBE and Mrs Harley to Belmont yesterday afternoon, as one of our parishioners, Louise Wright, was presented with her British Empire Medal (BEM) on behalf of King Charles. It was a beautiful ceremony and the abbey church was packed with dignitaries, family, friends and parishioners. We congratulate Louise who, supported by her husband Andrew, has done so much to foster business and countless charitable enterprises from her early youth until now locally in Herefordshire and beyond. May the Lord also bless her with good health as she recovers from major surgery and chemotherapy.

 

​Today’s Gospel passage from John, (Jn 6: 15-21), follows on from the Multiplication of Loaves and Fish that we read yesterday. Jesus, as we know, fled further up the mountain at the reaction of the crowd, whilst the disciples headed for Capernaum. We read, “In the evening the disciples went down to the shore of the lake and got into a boat to make for Capernaum on the other side of the lake. It was getting dark by now and Jesus had still not rejoined them.” We can wonder why it is they set out for Capernaum without Jesus. Still, they were probably keen to get back home and the trip wouldn’t take that long. A typical image in John is that of darkness or night when Jesus is not with his disciples. Nevertheless, they set off, only to find the wind getting stronger and the sea becoming rough. It is then that they see Jesus. “They had rowed three or four miles when they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming towards the boat. This frightened them, but he said, ‘It is I. Do not be afraid.’ They were for taking him into the boat, but in no time, it reached the shore at the place they were making for.” If it’s dark and the sea is rough, how do they manage to see Jesus and recognise him? This reminds us of the Exodus and of how the Hebrew people were guided across the desert towards the Promised Land, “a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.” He is walking towards the boat and, sensing their fear, says, “It is I.” Again, this reminds us of the name revealed by God to Moses at the Burning Bush, “I am who I am.” In the Old Testament, it is also God who constantly tells his people, “Do not be afraid. Fear not.” Even before they come to a decision on whether to take Jesus on board or not, they reach the place they are making for. They must have been amazed at what had happened that night. I wonder how we would have coped, had we been one of the disciples.

 

​Lord, even when the going gets tough and we are afraid, be with us on our life’s journey and keep us safe from all harm. Lead us to our final destination to be with you for ever in the kingdom of heaven. Amen.