Message of Abbot Paul - Wednesday 22nd November 2023
Abbot Paul • November 21, 2023
Today’s Gospel passage from Luke (Lk 19: 11-29) contains a parable very similar to the Parable of the Talents that we heard from Matthew’s Gospel last Sunday. There are similarities, but they are also quite different and Luke’s parable seems to be made up of two separate parables that have somehow been conflated. This isn’t the place to discuss the many points of difference and similarity, interesting as they are, but you could look up a good Bible commentary or read some of the fine articles to be found online. The context in which Jesus preached the parable is also quite different. Here Jesus has left Jericho and is making his way to Jerusalem. “While the people were listening, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and they imagined that the kingdom of God was going to show itself then and there.”
Jesus preaches to a crowd that is expecting the kingdom of God to be inaugurated at any moment. Their hope is for an earthly kingdom and they are convinced that Jesus will inaugurate it, but Jesus warns them that the kingdom is not “of this world” nor will it come soon. The end of the world will surely happen but not yet. What people must do in the meantime is prepare for the coming of the kingdom by investing in and working with the gifts that God has given them, symbolised by the pound mentioned in the parable. It’s interesting to note that all ten servants are given the same amount to start with; no one has an advantage over his neighbour. That might not always be true in the material or financial world, but it is true in the spiritual world. God loves each one of us equally and unconditionally and only wants what is best for us. All God wants is our salvation and that we increase the many graces he has given us in his infinite loving kindness. Lord, be with us as we walk along the road of life with you, the road that leads to your kingdom. Amen.
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.
We are sad to announce that Fr Stephen died on Monday 21st October 2055. He was 94. He died peacefully in hospital, having recently fractured his shoulder. He was a beloved member of the monastic community, who had settled back at Belmont after many years on Belmont parishes, including in Abergavenny, Swansea, Hereford and Weobley. He will be much missed. His Requiem Mass will be at Belmont on Wednesday, 5th November at 11.30am followed by burial in the monastic cemetery. The Reception of his Body into the Abbey Church will take place on Tuesday, 4th November, at 5.45pm.
With honoured guests we were delighted to open our doors again of our new guesthouse and conference centre: The Chapterhouse.
"A hymn to the human body." Abbot Brendan's Homily at the annual Mass celebrated at Rotherwas Chapel in Hereford that dates from the 1580s on the feast of the Assumption.
From Francis to Leo: A special event with Christopher Lamb of CNN in conversation with Austin Ivereigh who commentated for the BBC on the transition from Pope Francis to Pope Leo.
On 12th June an Ecumenical Service was held at Hereford Cathedral to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea.
