Message of Abbot Paul - Tuesday 11th October 2022
Abbot Paul • October 11, 2022
It’s beginning to get colder at night, so when Toby and I go out at a quarter to six each morning, it’s still cold, but as I’ve had a hot shower, I really don’t feel the cold. During this early morning walk it’s usually very quiet, so I enjoy saying the Rosary. At six o’clock the church bell rings the Angelus, which I also enjoy saying. At this time of year, I wear a miner’s torch, which is useful for making sure where Toby is and what he’s up to. It should be said that he never lets me out of his sight. These past few mornings we have been accompanied by a pair of robins, curious to see where we’re going. It’s lovely to see them so full of life and vigour and obviously enjoying our company.
Our Gospel passage from Luke, (Lk 11: 37-41), recounts what happened when Jesus was invited for a meal in the house of one of the Pharisees. “Jesus had just finished speaking when a Pharisee invited him to dine at his house. He went in and sat down at the table. The Pharisee saw this and was surprised that he had not first washed before the meal. But the Lord said to him, ‘Oh, you Pharisees! You clean the outside of cup and plate, while inside yourselves you are filled with extortion and wickedness. Fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside too? Instead, give alms from what you have and then indeed everything will be clean for you.’”
It appears that Jesus alone has been invited to the Pharisee’s house, as there’s no mention of his disciples. Jesus goes in and sits at table without washing his hands ritually beforehand. He obviously does this purposely so as to draw his host’s attention, which leads to the important teaching he wishes to give. He points to two problems with the behaviour of the Pharisees that go against the law of God. In the first place, Jesus has nothing against norms of hygiene, but emphasises the need that the Pharisees have of repentance and conversion. They need to purify their hearts and minds, as well as wash their hands before eating. Then he points to their need to give alms, as they tend to be greedy and possessive of all they own, but not generous towards the poor and needy.
Are there areas of our lives, for example, that need to be put in order before God? Is our religious observance, to some extent, tinged with superstition or superficiality? What is Jesus asking you and me to do in this short Gospel passage? The Gospel is read to make us think, and to change the way we live.
Abbot Brendan Reflects on Pope Leo's words to the Benedictines worldwide
July and August 2026: 3 workshops let by Fr Alex Echeandia, Prior of the Monastery of Lurin
9th to 11th January 2026 A weekend for young men to experience the monastic life and join in the prayer and life of the community.
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.
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.