Message of Abbot Paul - Tuesday 20th July

Abbot Paul • July 19, 2021

Message from Fr Paul for Tuesday, 20th July 2021

 

           Although not all of us were made for hot weather, and dogs find it particularly uncomfortable, the great plus each morning at the moment is to see the hive of activity among insects, bees, butterflies and birds in those areas of the field that have been allow to go wild. I don’t think I’ve seen so much activity in all my life, and the display and variety of wild flowers this year has been utterly spectacular. The same goes for that part of the old cemetery that we have left until Autumn so that ground nesting birds and myriads of butterflies and insects, as well as our beloved slow worms and hedgehogs, can breed and feed in seclusion, protected by the knowledge that they are all part of God’s Little Acre.

 

           Today’s short Gospel passage from Matthew, (Mt 12: 46-50), recounts a visit from Jesus’ family members. “Jesus was speaking to the crowds when his mother and his brothers appeared; they were standing outside and were anxious to have a word with him. But to the man who told him this Jesus replied, ‘Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?’ And stretching out his hand towards his disciples he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven, he is my brother and sister and mother.’” Jesus appears to be speaking with the crowds in the house or perhaps it was the courtyard. He is inside, whereas his mother and brothers remain outside. Although they are anxious to see him, he asks the man at the door, who comes in to tell him of their arrival, two rhetorical questions and then gives him the answer. Admittedly, it’s an important lesson he teaches us, but at what a cost. I can just imagine my mother’s reaction if I treated her like that. Did he then come out to see his mother and brothers, probably close relatives, or were they invited in and offered a glass of water? We’ll never know, but we have been left with the words of Jesus that, for Christians, our real family is the family of the faith, not an easy lesson to learn. When I, as a monk, speak of home, I mean Belmont. That was always difficult for my parents to accept, but that’s what being a monk means. What does being a Christian mean? That’s a question we all need to answer.

 


By Abbot Brendan Thomas May 6, 2025
A homily by Abbot Brendan at a special Easter Mass for Pope Francis, attended by Catholics from across the Deanery.
By Abbot Brendan Thomas April 24, 2025
New Title
By Abbot Brendan Thomas April 21, 2025
Pope Francis RIP Pope 2013-2025 Born 1936, Died 2025 We are deeply saddened at the passing of Pope Francis. As the successor of St Peter he has been a spiritual father and shepherd to the church in our day, challenging us, and calling as to reach out to those on the peripheries. He was the first Jesuit Pope, but took the name Francis after the Poor Man of Assisi who modelled for him a closeness to the poor, a concern for those on the margins of society and a care for all of creation In his preaching Pope Francis always spoke of the joy of the Gospel and encouraged us to reflect the joy of our faith in our lives. He showed the compassion of Jesus to everyone. He worked tirelessly for the unity of the church and travelled even to non-Christian countries promoting a message of peace. He has left a great legacy. With the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio with the community over Easter we were able to express our closeness to the Holy Father in his final suffering. There will be a special Mass at Belmont this Thursday 24th April at 11am to pray for Pope Francis as he makes his final journey to the house of the Father. On the day of his funeral, the Office of the Dead will be sung, and Mass that day will be a Requiem. May the angels lead him into paradise; may the martyrs receive him at his arrival and lead him to the holy city Jerusalem. May choirs of angels receive him and with Lazarus, the poor man grant him eternal rest." (The In Paradisum, words from the Funeral Liturgy)
By Abbot Paul April 21, 2025
We were were honoured and delighted to be joined by the Apostolic Nuncio to celebrate Easter. His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía is the representative of the Holy See in Great Britain, and therefore of the Holy Father. His presence on Easter Sunday morning brought us more consciously in communion with Pope Francis, the successor of St Peter, as we heard the Gospel story of Peter running to the tomb. His patron saint is St Michael, so afterwards, at a festive lunch we were able to present him with some Belmont cufflinks with the monastery coat of arms - very similar to his as Archbishop. We were able to pray for him and his work in this country.
By Abbot Brendan Thomas April 20, 2025
"He is not here, for he is risen." Homily by Abbot Brendan
By Abbot Brendan Thomas April 20, 2025
"This is the night." Homily by Abbot Brendan
By Abbot Brendan Thomas April 18, 2025
Homily by Abbot Brendan
By Abbot Brendan Thomas April 18, 2025
Homily by Abbot Brendan
By Abbot Brendan Thomas April 13, 2025
The Passion According to St Luke: Homily by Abbot Brendan
More Posts