Message of Abbot Paul - Saturday 17th July

Abbot Paul • July 16, 2021


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.

 


By Abbot Brendan Thomas May 6, 2025
A homily by Abbot Brendan at a special Easter Mass for Pope Francis, attended by Catholics from across the Deanery.
By Abbot Brendan Thomas April 24, 2025
New Title
By Abbot Brendan Thomas April 21, 2025
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)
By Abbot Paul April 21, 2025
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.
By Abbot Brendan Thomas April 20, 2025
"He is not here, for he is risen." Homily by Abbot Brendan
By Abbot Brendan Thomas April 20, 2025
"This is the night." Homily by Abbot Brendan
By Abbot Brendan Thomas April 18, 2025
Homily by Abbot Brendan
By Abbot Brendan Thomas April 18, 2025
Homily by Abbot Brendan
By Abbot Brendan Thomas April 13, 2025
The Passion According to St Luke: Homily by Abbot Brendan
More Posts