Message of Abbot Paul - Thursday 30th March 2023
Abbot Paul • March 29, 2023
The past few days have been difficult in more ways than one. The hay fever, that first raised its ugly and painful head in February with the advent of catkins, has flared up for some unknown reason, waking me at 2 or 3 o’clock with sneezing fits, struggling for breath and, worse still, streaming eyes and veritable buckets full of mucus: where on earth does it come from? I’m not allowed to take antihistamines because of the abundant medication I take for blood pressure and diabetes. Add to that, what appears to me to be more work than ever. The result is that I feel washed out morning, noon and night. Thank God I have a sense of humour, a modicum of patience and the company of my beautiful companion Toby, who instils peace and calm into my life. Now, I’m not a complete pagan, so I realise and acknowledge that it is God our heavenly Father working through the ministrations of Toby, who, perhaps even more than I, was created in God’s image and likeness. I thought I’d better share this with you in case you see me looking glum next time you bump into me. I hope it clears before Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum.
​In our Gospel reading today, we continue in John, (Jn 8: 51-59), where Jesus is discussing with the Jews, i.e. the religious authorities of his day, scribes and Pharisees, his relationship and theirs with Abraham and with God. Jesus begins by saying, “I tell you most solemnly, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” This is like a red rag to a bull, for they answer. “Now we know for certain that you are possessed. Abraham is dead, and the prophets are dead, and yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never know the taste of death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? The prophets are dead too. Who are you claiming to be?” This is their fundamental question, who is Jesus claiming to be? We might well ask, how many times does he have to repeat the answer? Admittedly, Jesus can be enigmatic in his words. He replies, “If I were to seek my own glory that would be no glory at all; my glory is conferred by the Father, by the one of whom you say, “He is our God” although you do not know him… But I do know him, and I faithfully keep his word.”
​Not only does Jesus claim to know the Father, but he also knows and has seen Abraham. “Your father Abraham rejoiced to think that he would see my Day; he saw it and was glad.” This theme will be fully developed in the Letter to the Hebrews, where the faith of Abraham and the great men and women of the Old Testament is detailed and praised. His hearers fail to understand his words. “You are not fifty yet, and you have seen Abraham!” To which Jesus replies with one of the famous I am sayings, “I tell you most solemnly, before Abraham ever was, I Am.” This is one of my very favourites. Jesus, as Son of the Father, is from all eternity. Sadly, the reaction of his hearers is far from positive and is yet another prophecy of the Passion, which fast approaches. “At this they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid himself and left the Temple.”
​Just a thought. Our dear Fr Simon is 80 today. You might want to congratulate him and pray for him today. Ad multos annos.
A homily by Abbot Brendan at a special Easter Mass for Pope Francis, attended by Catholics from across the Deanery.
Pope Francis RIP Pope 2013-2025 Born 1936, Died 2025 We are deeply saddened at the passing of Pope Francis. As the successor of St Peter he has been a spiritual father and shepherd to the church in our day, challenging us, and calling as to reach out to those on the peripheries. He was the first Jesuit Pope, but took the name Francis after the Poor Man of Assisi who modelled for him a closeness to the poor, a concern for those on the margins of society and a care for all of creation In his preaching Pope Francis always spoke of the joy of the Gospel and encouraged us to reflect the joy of our faith in our lives. He showed the compassion of Jesus to everyone. He worked tirelessly for the unity of the church and travelled even to non-Christian countries promoting a message of peace. He has left a great legacy. With the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio with the community over Easter we were able to express our closeness to the Holy Father in his final suffering. There will be a special Mass at Belmont this Thursday 24th April at 11am to pray for Pope Francis as he makes his final journey to the house of the Father. On the day of his funeral, the Office of the Dead will be sung, and Mass that day will be a Requiem. May the angels lead him into paradise; may the martyrs receive him at his arrival and lead him to the holy city Jerusalem. May choirs of angels receive him and with Lazarus, the poor man grant him eternal rest." (The In Paradisum, words from the Funeral Liturgy)
We were were honoured and delighted to be joined by the Apostolic Nuncio to celebrate Easter. His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía is the representative of the Holy See in Great Britain, and therefore of the Holy Father. His presence on Easter Sunday morning brought us more consciously in communion with Pope Francis, the successor of St Peter, as we heard the Gospel story of Peter running to the tomb. His patron saint is St Michael, so afterwards, at a festive lunch we were able to present him with some Belmont cufflinks with the monastery coat of arms - very similar to his as Archbishop. We were able to pray for him and his work in this country.
