Message of Abbot Paul - Tuesday 16th August

Message from Fr Paul for Tuesday, 16th August 2022

 Yesterday evening, with the help of our old friend and organist Stasio Sliwka, Br Peter, Fr Augustine and I gave a recital of Gregorian chants on honour of the Assumption of Our Lady at Moccas church, one of the most beautiful historic buildings in the Wye Valley. Stasio’s playing was breath-taking and our chanting lived up to the high standard he set us. The church was crammed full of people and there were many standing outside in the rain. As the 12th century church is built of local grey tufa, the music could also be heard outside as it penetrated the walls. We singers were as enthralled as the audience by the occasion and especially by the arrival of the statue of Our Lady, that is being floated down the Wye from Hay to Monmouth as part of the Save the Wye project. Today she will arrive at Hereford Cathedral. The recital was followed by a delicious supper in the village hall. A truly enjoyable evening was had by everyone present.

 Our Gospel passage today continues the discussion on wealth and salvation in Matthew, (Mt 19: 23-30), begun yesterday. “Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I tell you solemnly, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Yes, I tell you again, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.’ When the disciples heard this, they were astonished. ‘Who can be saved, then?’ they said. Jesus gazed at them and said, ‘For men this is impossible; for God everything is possible.’” Jesus could be speaking about material wealth that makes a man self-sufficient, with no need for God, or of spiritual wealth or pride that makes a man believe that he can save himself by his own efforts alone. Either way, the disciples begin to despair and start to wonder aloud about their own salvation. “Who can be saved?” Jesus assures them that everything is possible for God, if they allow him to act in their lives. “What about us?” Peter asks Jesus. “We have left everything in order to follow you.” Jesus assures them of the Father’s love and understanding, for they will have eternal life. Jesus ends with one of his enigmatic proverbs. “Many who are first will be last, and the last, first.” It gives them and us something to mull over as we ponder our own behaviour and attitudes. Where do I stand in this debate? What do I want to ask Jesus?