Message of Abbot Paul - Wednesday 26th October 2022
Abbot Paul • October 26, 2022
Today is the feast day of the great martyr and patron saint of Thessaloniki, St Demetrius, born there in the year 270 and martyred in 306, during the persecution ordered by the emperor Galerius. Almost 60 years’ ago I lived in that beautiful city and studied in the Aristotelian University. I often visited his church, a typical Roman basilica, and prayed at his tomb, so it was a lovely experience for me to be able to join in the Divine Liturgy of the vigil on YouTube followed by in the procession around the city of his icon and relics. It really was a glorious sight and reminded me of one of the great modern Greek poet Cavafy’s description of a procession of priests and bishops in Constantinople. At times I have a deep longing to be in Thessaloniki again, taking part in the living faith of our Orthodox brethren. At least I have many happy memories to treasure and give thanks for.
​In today’s Gospel passage from Luke, (Lk 13: 22-33), we read “Through towns and villages Jesus went teaching, making his way to Jerusalem.” Someone asks him a question, although we’re not told where. “Sir, will there be only a few saved?” This is a question we ourselves still ask today. Jesus’ reply is a warning more than anything else, that encourages us to add our efforts to his gift of salvation. “Try your best to enter by the narrow door, because, I tell you, many will try to enter and will not succeed.” It’s a narrow gate that leads into heaven and, although salvation is God’s gift to us in Christ, nevertheless we have to make our own contribution to achieving that goal. Jesus then goes on to tell his hearers a parable, one they need to hear.
“Once the master of the house has got up and locked the door, you may find yourself knocking on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us’ but he will answer, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ Then you will find yourself saying, ‘We once ate and drank in your company; you taught in our streets’ but he will reply, ‘I do not know where you come from. Away from me, all you wicked men!’ Then there will be weeping and grinding of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves turned outside. And men from east and west, from north and south, will come to take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Yes, there are those now last who will be first, and those now first who will be last.” Although Jesus began by telling his hearers that they should try to enter by the narrow door, here the door is shut, and once shut, it cannot be opened. Hence, they must get to the door before it is closed by the owner of the house. People will come from all over the world and pass through that doorway, but those who are late, for whatever reason, will not be allowed in, no matter how familiar they are with the householder or how much they plead with him. Little wonder that the first will now be last and the last first. Jesus invites us never to take our eyes from him and always to be awake to what he is doing. If we are with Jesus, then we will know well in advance when the door is about to close and we will enter in good time. In other words, don’t put off entering the household of the faith and never leave there for whatever reason. Good advice for us as well.
Pope Francis RIP Pope 2013-2025 Born 1936, Died 2025 We are deeply saddened at the passing of Pope Francis. As the successor of St Peter he has been a spiritual father and shepherd to the church in our day, challenging us, and calling as to reach out to those on the peripheries. He was the first Jesuit Pope, but took the name Francis after the Poor Man of Assisi who modelled for him a closeness to the poor, a concern for those on the margins of society and a care for all of creation In his preaching Pope Francis always spoke of the joy of the Gospel and encouraged us to reflect the joy of our faith in our lives. He showed the compassion of Jesus to everyone. He worked tirelessly for the unity of the church and travelled even to non-Christian countries promoting a message of peace. He has left a great legacy. With the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio with the community over Easter we were able to express our closeness to the Holy Father in his final suffering. There will be a special Mass at Belmont this Thursday 24th April at 11am to pray for Pope Francis as he makes his final journey to the house of the Father. On the day of his funeral, the Office of the Dead will be sung, and Mass that day will be a Requiem. May the angels lead him into paradise; may the martyrs receive him at his arrival and lead him to the holy city Jerusalem. May choirs of angels receive him and with Lazarus, the poor man grant him eternal rest." (The In Paradisum, words from the Funeral Liturgy)
We were were honoured and delighted to be joined by the Apostolic Nuncio to celebrate Easter. His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía is the representative of the Holy See in Great Britain, and therefore of the Holy Father. His presence on Easter Sunday morning brought us more consciously in communion with Pope Francis, the successor of St Peter, as we heard the Gospel story of Peter running to the tomb. His patron saint is St Michael, so afterwards, at a festive lunch we were able to present him with some Belmont cufflinks with the monastery coat of arms - very similar to his as Archbishop. We were able to pray for him and his work in this country.
