Message of Abbot Paul - Saturday 26th November 2022

So it is that we come to the end of another Liturgical Year and prepare to begin our annual journey anew. Tomorrow is the First Sunday in Advent, a new year and a fresh start in our following Jesus along the way of the Gospel. This is reflected in the short Gospel reading for this morning from Luke, (Lk 21: 34-3). Here it is; Jesus is speaking with his disciples.

 

“Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth. Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.”

 

​The message is very simple and straightforward. He wants us to live pure lives and not allow ourselves to become distracted by unnecessary things. Hence, we will remain focused on God and in constant prayer. In this way we need have no fear, for God will be with us.

 

​Let us pray, then, that through faith and humility, patience and perseverance, this will become a reality in our lives, as we prepare for the beginning of Advent this evening.

 

​Please note that the Advent Carol Service at 7.30 this evening will also be live streamed on both the Belmont Parish and Abbey websites.