Message of Abbot Paul - Sunday 13th November 2022
Abbot Paul • November 13, 2022
As we come to the end of the liturgical year, we have begun reading apocalyptic texts from the Bible, texts that speak of the end of this age, final judgement and the recapitulation of all things in Christ. Many of these passages can be quite frightening to read and I must confess that I have never been drawn to them. We all accept that life, as we know it in this world, must come to an end and that the Lord will weigh up the good and the bad we did. My own hope is that I can get at least a toe nail into Purgatory. That will be enough to get on the road that leads to ultimate salvation and eternal life. God is shown to be merciful and just for that is how Jesus reveals him to us. We are taught of the Four Last Things in Christian Eschatology: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell, and we would do well from time to time to meditate of these ultimate realities. I find it helpful during such meditation to ask myself what do I truly want. What is my dream for eternity, for God who knows my inmost thoughts knows exactly what I hope and long for, the deepest yearnings of my soul.
In today’s Gospel passage from Luke, (Lk 25: 5-19), we find Jesus talking of the Temple in Jerusalem, reminding those who listen that this magnificent building will collapse and fall and be no more. No matter how fine it is or richly decorated, it remains a material thing, and so, in the words of Jesus, “the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.” However, Jesus warns his followers that before this comes to pass, they will be persecuted for their faith and for their fidelity to him. The history of the world has known several ages of martyrs. I wonder whether we are about to pass through another one very soon. Fortunately, only God knows, so we need not worry ourselves wondering when and how. In fact, as Jesus says, “that will be your opportunity to bear witness.” We need not be well prepared. Jesus once more: “Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict.” Jesus will be with us and he will keep us safe in his heavenly Father’s arms. No matter who opposes us and what they plan to do against us, we need not fear. “You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.”
Br Meinrad and Br Gildas attend a special service with the Benedictine community of St Paul's Outside the Walls with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Honesty and Love Before God: Pharisee and Tax Collector; Pope and King - a homily by Abbot Brendan for the 30th Sunday of the Year.
We are sad to announce that Fr Stephen died on Monday 21st October 2055. He was 94. He died peacefully in hospital, having recently fractured his shoulder. He was a beloved member of the monastic community, who had settled back at Belmont after many years on Belmont parishes, including in Abergavenny, Swansea, Hereford and Weobley. He will be much missed. His Requiem Mass will be at Belmont on Wednesday, 5th November at 11.30am followed by burial in the monastic cemetery. The Reception of his Body into the Abbey Church will take place on Tuesday, 4th November, at 5.45pm.
With honoured guests we were delighted to open our doors again of our new guesthouse and conference centre: The Chapterhouse.
"A hymn to the human body." Abbot Brendan's Homily at the annual Mass celebrated at Rotherwas Chapel in Hereford that dates from the 1580s on the feast of the Assumption.
From Francis to Leo: A special event with Christopher Lamb of CNN in conversation with Austin Ivereigh who commentated for the BBC on the transition from Pope Francis to Pope Leo.
On 12th June an Ecumenical Service was held at Hereford Cathedral to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea.
