Message of Abbot Paul - Thursday 9th March 2023
Abbot Paul • March 9, 2023
Yesterday was my second day for interviewing the brethren and asking for their insights on the monastic life here at Lurin, their thoughts on the present and their hopes for the future. It’s been a very interesting and valuable exercise. Our postulant, who will be clothed in the habit and enter the noviciate on Sunday, is now on retreat and today those in solemn vows will have an outing to the famous beaches and historic ruins of Paracas. I’ve heard about the area many times, but as I’ve never been a tourist in Peru, this will be my first visit. We’re not planning on swimming, but I gather we’ll have a spectacular lunch of seafood. Peru is one of the gastronomic destinations of the world, so I live in hope. It is Lent, of course, so it will have to be a restrained and austere affair. It’s about three and a half hours’ away going south.
Today’s Gospel is a warning against the good life, especially gluttony, as it’s the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man from Luke, (Lk 16: 19-31), a useful parable on which to meditate during Lent. Jesus addresses the parable to the Pharisees, who made their living from religion and enjoyed a high standard of living. There’s a brief comparison of the living conditions of Lazarus and his rich neighbour, who did nothing to help him. Lazarus dies and goes to heaven, to Abraham’s bosom. Soon afterwards, the rich man dies and goes to Hades or hell. From there he can see Lazarus, so begs Abraham to allow Lazarus to dip his finger in water in order to relieve the rich man’s suffering, but Abraham reminds him of his behaviour when he lived on earth. The rich man begs Abraham to warn his brothers, all five of them, to change their way of life, but Abraham tells there would be no point, they would not change. In fact, even if someone were to rise from the dead, they still would not change. It’s a grim situation and a grim parable. Sadly, I can think of many who would behave like the rich man’s brothers, but the question is really about you and me, would we change? Has Jesus managed to change us or does he still have a battle on his hands?
Abbot Brendan Reflects on Pope Leo's words to the Benedictines worldwide
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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.
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Honesty and Love Before God: Pharisee and Tax Collector; Pope and King - a homily by Abbot Brendan for the 30th Sunday of the Year.