Message of Abbot Paul - Thursday 9th December

Message from Fr Paul for Thursday, 9th December 2021

           Yesterday, as well as being a wonderful feast day, was also Toby’s first day at home after his operation. At first, he was still strongly under the influence of the anaesthetic, but in the course of the day gradually came back to life, although still confused and in a daze. Hour by hour this gradually lifted and he was able to take his three prescribed short forays onto the lawn, obeying his surgeon’s instruction of 3 to 5 minutes 3 times a day for the first 8 days. By evening he was ready for a light chicken supper, although medication is a bit more problematic, but we’re getting there. One of the great advantages of sitting with him is the opportunity just to be quiet, to read and pray. I would like to thank all who have sent messages for your prayers. God bless you.

           Our Advent Gospel today sees us once more with Matthew, (Mt 11: 11-15), and the testimony of Jesus concerning John the Baptist. We often talk about the testimony of John and of how John was the personal prophet of Jesus, but Jesus also spoke about John. Here he is talking with the crowds. “I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is. Since John the Baptist came, up to this present time, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence and the violent are taking it by storm. Because it was towards John that all the prophecies of the prophets and of the Law were leading; and he, if you will believe me, is the Elijah who was to return. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen!” Jesus’ words are easy to understand at first, that no man born of woman is greater than John. That statement leads to ask, what then of Jesus? Jesus was born of woman, of the Virgin Mary, but unlike John, God is his father. Hence, what follows, that John is truly Elijah come back from the dead and so fulfils the same role as Elijah, that of a prophet, the greatest of prophets. However, Jesus is more than a prophet, he is the Messiah, the Saviour and Lamb of God who has come into the world to save sinners. John came preaching a Gospel of repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation, preparing the way for Jesus, and yet he and his prophecy were met with rejection and violence. Jesus comes as Saviour and Messiah to inaugurate the kingdom of his Father, and yet he, too, is met with violence and rejection. However, the Cross leads to the empty tomb, and the Resurrection to the Ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Our Christian journey is one of hope, and Advent is the season of hope.