Message of Abbot Paul - Thursday 23rd March 2023
Abbot Paul • March 22, 2023
Yesterday’s Gospel ended with these words of Jesus. “My aim is to do not my own will, but the will of him who sent me.’ Jesus is speaking with the religious authorities of his day, who are angry that he calls himself Son of God, thus making himself equal with God. Jesus insists that he has been sent by the Father, to carry out the Father’s plan for the salvation of humanity and that his aim is not to do his own will, but the Father’s will. In today’s Gospel from John, (Jn 5: 31-47), the argument continues. Jesus’ constant point of reference is the Father, the Father who witnesses to the Son. In fact, Jesus says, “Were I to testify on my own behalf, my testimony would not be valid; but there is another witness who can speak on my behalf, and I know that his testimony is valid.” His hearers, who are his enemies, are not going to accept what he says, but the Gospel has been written to make sure that we, his disciples, do accept his word and his teaching.
Jesus compares himself with John the Baptist, whom many took to be the Messiah.
“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.”
John himself said something very similar, that whereas he baptised with water as a sign of repentance, Jesus would baptise with fire and the Holy Spirit, actually forgiving sin and filling those who are forgiven with the grace of the Spirit, God’s own life. In other words, there is no comparison. Jesus goes on to say that not only the Father gives testimony to him but the Scriptures too. “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!” It always saddens me when people reject the love of Jesus and fail to believe in him. Their loss is irreplaceable. So many people today have given up on faith in Jesus Christ, for all sorts of reasons, often on account of indifference or relativism. To them Jesus says, “You have no love of God in you. I have come in the name of my Father and you refuse to accept me.” Let us pray for ourselves, that we might always accept him, and for those who are lapsed, that they might return to him.
Abbot Brendan Reflects on Pope Leo's words to the Benedictines worldwide
July and August 2026: 3 workshops let by Fr Alex Echeandia, Prior of the Monastery of Lurin
9th to 11th January 2026 A weekend for young men to experience the monastic life and join in the prayer and life of the community.
28th November at 6.45pm You are welcome to join an informal service for healing prayer on the last Friday of November. No need to book.
Sat 13th December, 10.00am-12.30am We are delighted that the acclaimed Cistercian writer, Fr Michael Casey will be with us in December.
Monday 1st to Thursday 4th December 2025. Our first Advent retreat in our newly opened guesthouse
Good Shepherd, Good Priest “I will seek the lost and bring back the strayed; I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak.” Those words, spoken by the Lord God through the prophet Ezekiel, describe the heart of God, the Good Shepherd — but they also describe the life and ministry of a good monk and priest. They could well be written of Fr Stephen’s years of service as a pastor in Abergavenny, Swansea, Hereford, and Weobley. In each of those places, he shared in the Shepherd’s work: seeking out the lost, binding up the wounded, strengthening the weary, and leading God’s people with quiet faithfulness. And like Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who came close to his people, Fr Stephen did not serve from a distance. He knew his people; he was among them. He shared their sorrows and their joys, their hopes and their disappointments. He bore their burdens with prayer and patience he brought the joy of the Gospel and the grace of the Sacraments. His mission amongst us is complete. He has served God’s good purpose. So today we ask Christ the Good Shepherd to take Stephen on his sacred shoulders and carry him home to the house of the Father. Bind up his wounds, give him eternal rest and lead him at last to the green pastures and still waters of eternal life.
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.