Message of Abbot Paul - Tuesday 24th October 2023
Abbot Paul • October 23, 2023
A number of readers expressed surprise that we should have grapes at Belmont. There was a time when we had a lot more. Abbot Jerome cared for a vine and a fig tree. I attach a photograph of Br Gildas with a little of the harvest. Our retreat began with the most sublime meditation on the Sequence for Pentecost, Veni Sancte Spiritus. You might like to find it in your Missal and join with us in Spirit.
In today’s short Gospel passage from Luke, (Lk 12: 35-38), Jesus asks his disciples be ready for whenever he should return and, although he is Lord and Master, nevertheless he will come to serve and take care of them, whether it is at the end of time, the Last Day and Last Judgement, or simply when the time comes for each one of them to die and return to their heavenly Father. Let us hear what Jesus says, “See that you are dressed for action and have your lamps lit. Be like men waiting for their master to return from the wedding feast, ready to open the door as soon as he comes and knocks. Happy those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. I tell you solemnly, he will put on an apron, sit them down at table and wait on them. It may be in the second watch he comes, or in the third, but happy those servants if he finds them ready.”
There are several images in these few words of Jesus. We are to be like soldiers, dressed for action, like the five virgins with their lamps lit and like servants waiting for their master’s return. We are to be ready for when he knocks, so that we can open the door immediately and let him in. If we are awake, prepared and ready, then our roles will be reversed and Jesus, the Lord of glory, will don an apron and set about serving us. Well, that’s one way of describing heaven, or at least giving us an impression of what it will be like. As he could come at any time, if he finds us ready and prepared, then he will look kindly on us and reward us. I look forward to his coming, but will I be ready, or late as usual?
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.