Message of Abbot Paul - Sunday 13th August 2023
Abbot Paul • August 13, 2023
When I read today’s Gospel from Matthew, (Mt 14: 22-33), I can’t help but think of the countless migrants and refugees risking their lives to cross from France to England, Libya to Greece and Italy, Morocco to Spain. I can’t think of a year in living memory when people haven’t risked their lives and the lives of their children in the quest for freedom, justice, peace, a better life and an end to persecution, the Vietnamese boat people, for example. We pray that all those seeking a new and better life be given the opportunity they sorely deserve. I know very few people in this sceptred isle who are not the end product of immigration, migration or colonisation. I also remember with great affection dear Fr Raymund, who was Abbot Jerome’s Prior for many years, often praying at Vespers for “those brave fishermen in their little boats dangerously tossed about in the North Sea to bring food to our tables.” It was one of his favourite bidding prayers. Br Bernard did a perfect impersonation of him and always had us all in stiches. By the way, next Saturday at 11am there will be a Memorial Mass for Br Bernard and Br Raphael at Belmont as they were denied a public Requiem on account of the Covid lockdown.
But to get back to our Gospel, Jesus makes his disciples get into a boat and go ahead to the other side while he sends the crowds away and goes up into the hills to be alone and pray. By evening, however, Jesus realises that his disciples are in trouble as the weather changes and a storm causes the sea to become rough and unmanageable. Jesus is a centre of calm in the midst of the storm, walking quietly across the lake towards the boat. However, the sight of him causes his disciples to panic and cry out with fear. They think he is a ghost. Jesus calls out, “Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.” Jesus is the Lord of Creation, the Word through whom all things were made, who brought order out of chaos, the Great I AM. Peter goes from one extreme to another, from fear to false courage. “Let me walk on the water, just like you.” Jesus, never one to discourage a disciple, invites him to come forward. While Peter is focused on Jesus, all goes well, but when he becomes conscious of himself, he begins to panic and sinks into the water. “Lord, save me,” he screams, and Jesus catches him while scolding him, “Man of little faith, why did you doubt?” How often have I thought that about myself! I should imagine you have too! Imagine what we could do, if we had faith. Peter does walk again on water, going back to the boat with Jesus, who holds him fast. As they get into the boat, the wind drops and the sea becomes calm again. The men in the boat fall to their knees and proclaim, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” recognising Jesus to be who he truly is. Who do we recognise Jesus to be?
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