Message of Abbot Paul - Thursday - 14th March 2024

Abbot Paul • March 13, 2024

I appear to have a heavy cold at the moment, possibly made worse by that long walk on the beach with Toby and our frequent walks in the rain at Belmont. At first, I confused it with hay fever, which also affected me badly at the beginning of February, To relieve my chest a little, I am drinking a fiery hot ginger and honey drink, into which I put more honey and, as I get closer to bedtime, a tot or two of something stronger and possibly more medicinal. I hope it passes quickly.

Today’s Gospel passage is the continuation of yesterday’s reading. Jesus continues his response to “the Jews” as to his true identity, but here in John 5: 31-47 he also speaks about John the Baptist, as religious leaders were still perplexed as to his identity too. “John was a lamp alight and shining

and for a time you were content to enjoy the light that he gave.”

But my testimony is greater than John’s:

The works my Father has given me to carry out,

these same works of mine testify

that the Father has sent me.”

When John was questioned as to his identity, he simply gave testimony for himself. However, Jesus says that when he gives testimony as to who he is and what he does, then it is the Father who bears witness to Jesus as Son and Messiah. Not only the Father, but also the Scriptures bear witness to Jesus.

“You study the scriptures,

believing that in them you have eternal life;

now these same scriptures testify to me,

and yet you refuse to come to me for life!”

In fact, he goes further:

“I have come in the name of my Father

and you refuse to accept me;

if someone else comes in his own name

you will accept him.

How can you believe,

since you look to one another for approval

and are not concerned

with the approval that comes from the one God?”

It’s quite clear that he sees no hope of faith in his enemies; they are far from conversion and belief; they are far from the scriptures and from God.

We pray today that our faith may grow deeper and become more robust as we continue on our Lenten journey towards Holy Week and Easter. We walk in the company of Jesus; he is our guide and he speaks to our hearts. In him may we discover and adore the fulness of the mystery of God, the love which is the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

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