Message of Abbot Paul - Wednesday 20th December 2023
Abbot Paul • December 19, 2023
As promised, I’m writing these few lines at one of the Air France lounges in Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. The flight from Lima was comfortable and punctual with a fair amount of gentle turbulence, which I enjoy and helps me sleep well. I wonder if they make beds like that? There’s quite a long wait for the flight to Birmingham, and as luck would have it, it’s late. There are no alternatives, so one must be patient.
Today’s Gospel is that of the Annunciation to Mary as told by Luke, (Lk 1:26-38). Mary is not disturbed by the appearance of the Angel Gabriel, but by his words, "Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you." That she should be called Grace-filled and told that God was with her, must have sounded so far fetched to a young village girl, probably unaware at this stage that she had been conceived without sin and was now to conceive God’s own Son, the Messiah. Her peace was disturbed to bring into the world the Prince of Peace. She is not afraid to ask questions and stands up for herself. “How can this be?” She asks and Gabriel explains God’s plan to her. Note the courtesy and humility of God who waits for Mary’s decision. Indeed, the whole world waits with bated breath to hear what Mary will say. “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let what you have said be done to me.” Mary accepts God’s will. As we prepare for Christmas, are we prepared to put ourselves at God’s disposal for the salvation of the world as Mary was? Could that be the gift we offer the Child in the manger this Christmas?
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.”
