Message of Abbot Paul - Wednesday 14th June 2023
Abbot Paul • June 13, 2023
After what sounded very much like a tropical storm on Monday, I thought the atmosphere might clear and it would be easier to breathe and get on with our work, but, if anything, yesterday seemed to be even hotter than previous days. Our roses, bashed to death by the storm, made a valiant attempt in the burning heat to come back to life. Toby with his heavy coat finds the heat oppressive and debilitating, particularly as in Herefordshire we have a high degree of humidity because of the rivers. Still, our early morning and late evening walks are delightful and we both look forward to them and thoroughly enjoy them.
Our short Gospel passage today continues our reading of the Sermon on the Mount, (Mt 5: 17-19), where Jesus talks of his mission to his disciples. He says, “Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved. Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus hasn’t come to earth to do away with the Law given to Israel by God through Moses. Rather he has come to complete and fulfil the Law. He has come to purify and correct misinterpretations of the Law, but not to abolish the Law itself. He encourages his disciples to keep the Law, but to do so with love and thanksgiving, recognising the mercy and loving kindness of God. Not only are we to keep God’s Law, but we are called upon to teach others to do the same, above all by the example of our lives. May the good Lord give us the grace we need to do what he asks.
If you have a spare hour of two today, please come to the parish centre to help our ladies prepare for the fete, which takes place on Saturday. It’s far too much work for two old ladies!
On the Commemoration of All Souls, Abbot Brendan reflects on the experience of death within a monastic community, the meaning of Purgatory, and St Benedict’s invitation never to lose hope in the mercy of God.
The Belmont community visit Dowlais, and remember the Benedictine Mission to South Wales as the country remembers the Aberfan disaster.
We welcomed the Knights and Dames from the Midlands and South Wales and thanked God for their mission and service.
A double celebration on the feast of St Michael and All Angels
A School of Love by the Wye: Abbot Brendan on the Cistercians on the Feast of the Holy Cross.
The Blessing of new Icons for the Churches in Stratford-upon-Avon, with inspiring talks by the Abbot Primate and Dr Rowan Williams.
“O Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory abides.”
