Message of Abbot Paul - Thursday 20th April 2023
Abbot Paul • April 19, 2023
Having looked closely at the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, we now find ourselves listening to the words of John the Baptist, although many commentators would say that these are probably the words of the author of the Gospel rather than those of John commenting on his statement regarding Jesus in verse 30: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Today we read Jn 3: 31-36. This is what John is purported as saying to his disciples.
“He who comes from above is above all others;
he who is born of the earth is earthly himself
and speaks in an earthly way.
He who comes from heaven
bears witness to the things he has seen and heard,
even if his testimony is not accepted;
though all who do accept his testimony
are attesting the truthfulness of God,
since he whom God has sent
speaks God’s own words:
God gives him the Spirit without reserve.
The Father loves the Son
and has entrusted everything to him.
Anyone who believes in the Son has eternal life,
but anyone who refuses to believe in the Son will never see life:
the anger of God stays on him.”
Although some Bible scholars think that verses 31-36 continue the words of John the Baptist, I’m inclined to agree with those who argue that they are the words of the evangelist. The original text did not have quotation marks. A couple of things point us in this direction. First, the Christology seems to be more in line with later, more developed understanding than with that which John the Baptist would have had. Also, these verses are clearly Trinitarian. It would be highly unusual for a Jew like John the Baptist at this point in history to have had such well-defined views. Nevertheless, the text is inspired by God for our spiritual profit. John makes four main points to show why we should believe in Jesus. 1) Jesus has a heavenly origin and is above all. 2) Jesus has a message that comes down from heaven, from God. 3) Jesus has heavenly authority. 4) As a result, our eternal destiny hinges on believing in Jesus. Here the Gospel parts company with those who do not accept that Jesus is the incarnate Son of God and do not believe in God as a Trinity of Persons. The daily proclamation or reading of the Gospel should purify our faith and conform it to the will and reality of God, our Creator and Redeemer.
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.
