Message of Abbot Paul - Tuesday 13th December 2022
Abbot Paul • December 12, 2022
Yesterday was another bitterly cold day here in Kylemore. Wisely the site has been closed to visitors since Saturday, so another quiet day, although I spent time with the nuns, giving the final talk, celebrating Mass , having lunch with them, hearing a few confessions and attending Vespers in the church. I’ve also been checking up on flights and buses to see what’s working and what’s not. There appear to be quite lengthy delays, but not to worry, I hope and pray I can get back to Belmont this evening. I’ve really enjoyed my week in Ireland and hope to return one day to Kylemore, when the weather is better and there’s time to look around and explore the neighbourhood. I apologise if tomorrow there is no message. It might not be possible to write and send one.
Today, of course, is the feast of St Lucy, the light-bearer, a great celebration in many countries and regions of the world, where many beautiful and ancient celebrations surround her feast day abound. The glorious light of this virgin martyr leads us to Christ and the celebration of his birth at Christmas. In a week’s time the days will begin to lengthen and we shall look forward to the coming of Spring and the rebirth of nature.
Our Gospel today comes from Matthew, (Mt 21: 28-32), and is the continuation of yesterday’s passage. Jesus continues his discussion with the chief priests and elders of the people. He uses the Parable of the Two Sons, the one who promised his father to work in the vineyard, but didn’t go, and the one who at first said no, but then went, to declare that “tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you.” Why would this be? Because they listened to John the Baptist and repented of their sins, yet the religious leaders of Israel did not. Today we pray that, through the intercession of St Lucy, we might repent of our sins and turn towards the light that is Christ.
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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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