Message of Abbot Paul - Tuesday 10th January 2023
Abbot Paul • January 9, 2023
I apologise, but I’ll be brief today, as yesterday was a particularly busy day and today looks to be even busier. We can always learn to be more patient. Yesterday I spoke of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, his preaching and the call of the first disciples. Following on from that, Mark tells us that Jesus made Capernaum the centre of his activity and that it was here that he began teaching in the synagogue on the sabbath day, (Mk 1: 21-28). “Jesus and his disciples went as far as Capernaum, and as soon as the sabbath came he went to the synagogue and began to teach. And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority.” However, Mark tells us something else, something of immense interest and importance, that his teaching makes a deep impression on his hearers, for he teaches with authority, unlike the scribes or doctors of the law. From the start, people note the difference and realise that there is something very special about Jesus.
Jesus then reveals his authority over unclean spirits by healing a possessed man who was in the congregation. The spirit recognises Jesus to be “the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebukes the spirit, saying, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit obeys the command of Jesus, which leaves the people astonished and asking what it all means. “Here is a teaching that is new and with authority behind it: he gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey him.” Jesus’ teaching is new, for he accomplishes in deed what he says in word. We are witnessing a new creation, where men and women are recreated in the image and likeness of God.
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.
We are sad to announce that Fr Stephen died on Monday 21st October 2055. He was 94. He died peacefully in hospital, having recently fractured his shoulder. He was a beloved member of the monastic community, who had settled back at Belmont after many years on Belmont parishes, including in Abergavenny, Swansea, Hereford and Weobley. He will be much missed. His Requiem Mass will be at Belmont on Wednesday, 5th November at 11.30am followed by burial in the monastic cemetery. The Reception of his Body into the Abbey Church will take place on Tuesday, 4th November, at 5.45pm.
With honoured guests we were delighted to open our doors again of our new guesthouse and conference centre: The Chapterhouse.
"A hymn to the human body." Abbot Brendan's Homily at the annual Mass celebrated at Rotherwas Chapel in Hereford that dates from the 1580s on the feast of the Assumption.
From Francis to Leo: A special event with Christopher Lamb of CNN in conversation with Austin Ivereigh who commentated for the BBC on the transition from Pope Francis to Pope Leo.
On 12th June an Ecumenical Service was held at Hereford Cathedral to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea.
