Message of Abbot Paul - Tuesday 8th November 2022
Abbot Paul • November 7, 2022
Today I hope to visit my mother together with Toby. We both hope the weather brightens up a little, as it’s grim walking with Toby and attempting to play games in the rain and wind. Yesterday I was blessed at long last to see a physiotherapist, who worked wonders on my neck and shoulder, tendons and right arm. I’ve been in agony, no exaggeration, for the past few months and, although I began treatment in Peru, this is not available in the U.K., at least not locally. Constant pain tends to get one down, so it’s a relief, as I write this, to say that this evening I feel cautiously optimistic!
Our prayers intensify for all those taking part in COP27, asking the Lord, in his goodness, to guide the hearts and minds of the leaders of the nations, rich and poor, as well as those with economic power and activists alike, to come to decisions that are truly achievable and effective.
Our Gospel passage today continues on from yesterday’s reading, so we are in Luke, (Lk 17: 7-10). Jesus is talking with his disciples: “Which of you, with a servant ploughing or minding sheep, would say to him when he returned from the fields, ‘Come and have your meal immediately?’ Would he not be more likely to say, ‘Get my supper laid; make yourself tidy and wait on me while I eat and drink. You can eat and drink yourself afterwards?’ Must he be grateful to the servant for doing what he was told? So, with you: when you have done all you have been told to do, say, ’We are merely servants: we have done no more than our duty.’” This parable is about a master and his servant. The danger for the disciples, especially as they share in the work of Jesus and will eventually be at the heart of the Church to represent him, is that they will begin to look upon themselves not as servants but as masters. Jesus, the true Master and Son of God, Lord of all creation, has always behaved like a servant, doing the Father’s will, and will continue to serve even after his Resurrection. He, the Suffering Servant, who will do his duty by the Father in offering his life as a sacrifice for the salvation of the world, expects his disciples to act in the same way, and to say with him what the servants of the parable say, “We are merely servants: we have done no more than our duty.”
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.