Message of Abbot Paul - Saturday 17th July

Message from Fr Paul for Saturday, 17th July 2021

           Just two days to go now and all lockdown restrictions will come to an end, or will they? Most people I’ve spoken with seem to have decided already that they are going to have to protect themselves, at least by acting prudently and cautiously, as the government has advised us to do. It was clear from the start of the pandemic that it would always be more difficult lifting restrictions than imposing them. It’s also been clear that, ultimately, we would have to learn to live with Covid and its family of variants rather than bring the world to a standstill. Even so, it’s not easy living with uncertainty and generated confusion. The situation looks pretty chaotic, whichever way you look, and with the number of infections in the UK rising daily, in fact beating Russia, India and Brazil in the daily infection polls, questions need be asked, but who is responsible for all this? In the meantime, we’re trying to work out how to adjust gradually in our churches, so that everyone feels comfortable and safe.

           In yesterday’s Gospel we read how the Pharisees criticised Jesus for allowing his disciples to break the sabbath by picking ears of corn as they were hungry. In today’s Gospel passage from Matthew, (Mt 12: 14-21), we are told, “The Pharisees went out and began to plot against Jesus, discussing how to destroy him.” They see Jesus as a leader, who contradicts their teaching and puts their livelihoods in jeopardy. They now begin plotting against him. “Jesus knew this and withdrew from the district. Many followed him and he cured them all, but warned them not to make him known.” Although Jesus tries to move away from the prying eyes of the Pharisees, they will follow him wherever he goes. Jesus often tells people he has healed not to tell others, not to make him known, but how could they resist telling their story of their encounter with him and of how he had healed and forgiven them? Matthew sees in this attitude of Jesus the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah.

“Here is my servant whom I have chosen,

my beloved, the favourite of my soul.

I will endow him with my spirit,

and he will proclaim the true faith to the nations.

He will not brawl or shout,

nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.

He will not break the crushed reed,

nor put out the smouldering wick

till he has led the truth to victory:

in his name the nations will put their hope.” (Is 42: 1-4)

Jesus avoids confrontation. He is the Suffering Servant we read about in Isaiah, chosen and beloved of the Father, he in whose name the nations will put their hope. Let us give thanks today for everything that Jesus has done for us and ask for the grace to follow his example.