Message of Abbot Paul - Saturday 5th August 2023
Abbot Paul • August 4, 2023
Message from Fr Paul for Saturday, 5th August 2023
It was really uplifting again yesterday to follow events as they take place at World Youth Day. I wonder how the Holy Father manages; at times he looks to be so tired and in pain. No doubt the good Lord protects him and gives him strength to continue. Let’s keep praying for him, and for all the young people gathered together with him in Lisbon, that they might grow and mature as fervent Christians, full of faith, hope and love.
Our Gospel passage today comes from Matthew, (Mt 14: 1-12), and tells the sad tale of the martyrdom of St John the Baptist. Matthew tells us the story as Herod the tetrarch was convinced that Jesus was really John risen from the dead. Herod, who had John put to death for a rash oath he had made to a pretty girl, who had danced for him and his court at his birthday party. There are a number of similar stories in the Old Testament. How irrational men become when in their cups. It’s a horrific tale, but here it is. “Now it was Herod who had arrested John, chained him up and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. For John had told him, ‘It is against the Law for you to have her.’ He had wanted to kill him but was afraid of the people, who regarded John as a prophet. Then, during the celebrations for Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and so delighted Herod that he promised on oath to give her anything she asked. Prompted by her mother she said, ‘Give me John the Baptist’s head, here, on a dish.’ The king was distressed but, thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of his guests, he ordered it to be given her, and sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought in on a dish and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. John’s disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went off to tell Jesus.”
What can this sad tale teach us? It reminds us of the love and respect that Jesus had for John and in this he was followed by the early Church as testified by the importance given to John’s life, teaching and martyrdom in all four Gospels, as elsewhere in the New Testament and in the subsequent life and teaching of the Church. It shows us the esteem that Herod himself had for John and the regret and shame he felt for having to act on that foolishly rash oath he had made to his stepdaughter in the presence of Herodias, his illicit and overpowering partner. John had warned him that it was against the Law for him to have this woman as his wife. All it took was a birthday party for everything to unravel and fall apart. It can be the same in our own lives. At times, a rash word or action can lead us into trouble and unforeseen chaos. Let us remember never to speak or act without first putting into God’s hands what it is we have in our hearts. May obedience to God’s will always be our guide, as it was in the life of the Baptist.
A homily by Abbot Brendan at a special Easter Mass for Pope Francis, attended by Catholics from across the Deanery.
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.
