Message of Abbot Paul - Saturday - 13th April 2024
Abbot Paul • April 13, 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.
Pope Francis RIP Pope 2013-2025 Born 1936, Died 2025 We are deeply saddened at the passing of Pope Francis. As the successor of St Peter he has been a spiritual father and shepherd to the church in our day, challenging us, and calling as to reach out to those on the peripheries. He was the first Jesuit Pope, but took the name Francis after the Poor Man of Assisi who modelled for him a closeness to the poor, a concern for those on the margins of society and a care for all of creation In his preaching Pope Francis always spoke of the joy of the Gospel and encouraged us to reflect the joy of our faith in our lives. He showed the compassion of Jesus to everyone. He worked tirelessly for the unity of the church and travelled even to non-Christian countries promoting a message of peace. He has left a great legacy. With the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio with the community over Easter we were able to express our closeness to the Holy Father in his final suffering. There will be a special Mass at Belmont this Thursday 24th April at 11am to pray for Pope Francis as he makes his final journey to the house of the Father. On the day of his funeral, the Office of the Dead will be sung, and Mass that day will be a Requiem. May the angels lead him into paradise; may the martyrs receive him at his arrival and lead him to the holy city Jerusalem. May choirs of angels receive him and with Lazarus, the poor man grant him eternal rest." (The In Paradisum, words from the Funeral Liturgy)
We were were honoured and delighted to be joined by the Apostolic Nuncio to celebrate Easter. His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía is the representative of the Holy See in Great Britain, and therefore of the Holy Father. His presence on Easter Sunday morning brought us more consciously in communion with Pope Francis, the successor of St Peter, as we heard the Gospel story of Peter running to the tomb. His patron saint is St Michael, so afterwards, at a festive lunch we were able to present him with some Belmont cufflinks with the monastery coat of arms - very similar to his as Archbishop. We were able to pray for him and his work in this country.
