Message of Abbot Paul - Thursday - 30th May 2024

I’m sitting in the Aegean lounge at Thessaloniki Airport waiting for the Lufthansa flight to Frankfurt, where l will connect with another flight to Birmingham. Although feeling relaxed and rested after my brief visit here, I’m nevertheless filled with trepidation at the thought of clearing my old rooms at Belmont, storing things there and beginning a new life taking care of myself at Leominster and Bromyard. It will be a rather busy weekend to set out on that venture what with First Holy Communions in both parishes, but a clear mind and help from on high as well as from fantastic parishioners and friends will see me through, no doubt. I ended my stay in Thessaloniki by cooking lunch for my friends. I’m looking forward to cooking in my new home. Perhaps I should start taking orders!

Our Gospel reading today comes from Mark, (Mk 10: 46-52), the account of the healing of the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, who was sitting at the roadside on the way out of Jericho. When he hears that Jesus is passing by, he calls out for help. When scolded by people standing by, he shouts all the louder, “Son of David, have pity on me.” He is so excited when Jesus calls him that he jumps for joy and casts off his cloak. When asked by Jesus, “What can I do for you?” He simply replies, “Rabbuni, Master, let me see again.” He only asks for what he needs, nothing more, nothing less. What a model for prayer this is, and Jesus grants his request, saying, “Go, your faith has saved you.” But he doesn’t go, he remains and follows Jesus, becoming a disciple, another example for us to follow.