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.
Abbot Brendan Reflects on Pope Leo's words to the Benedictines worldwide
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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.
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Honesty and Love Before God: Pharisee and Tax Collector; Pope and King - a homily by Abbot Brendan for the 30th Sunday of the Year.