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!
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.