Message of Abbot Paul - Wednesday 29th March 2023
Abbot Paul • March 28, 2023
I was so pleased to hear that many of you enjoyed hearing the dawn chorus from Belmont, but Monday was a beautiful, Spring morning, full of hope and rejoicing. Sadly, yesterday morning was very dark and wet, and this certainly dampened the spirits of our feathered friends and even caused Toby to cut his walk short. But it’s not only the dark clouds of a British dawn that cut birds dead in their tracks. We also know that the dark sounds of war deaden the hearts of our avian friends and even cause them to move away. Let us continue praying for our friends in Ukraine and never tire of praying for peace and for an end to this totally unjust, horrific and unnecessary war.
The Gospel for today continues our reading of John, (Jn 8: 31-42), where Jesus is talking with a mixed group of believers and non-believers. He begins by saying, “If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples, you will learn the truth and the truth will make you free.” The disciple makes his home in the word of Jesus, for it is there that the disciple belongs and finds his true identity. The word will teach us the truth and the truth which is Christ will set us free. We will enjoy the freedom of the children of God.
The debate continues around the person of Abraham. How can Abraham’s descendants be slaves and thus made free by Jesus? He replies, “I tell you most solemnly, everyone who commits sin is a slave.” It is from this slavery, and we are all slaves to sin, that Jesus comes to save and free us. Nevertheless, they insist that they are the children of Abraham, and thus already free. However, Jesus know that it is their intention to kill him. Why kill the Son of God if they are children of Abraham? It makes no sense. Jesus says, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do as Abraham did. As it is, you want to kill me when I tell you the truth as I have learnt it from God; that is not what Abraham did. What you are doing is what your father does.” They say they are children of Abraham, but their actions deny their words. They then go on to say their father is God, to which Jesus replies in no uncertain terms, “If God were your father, you would love me, since I have come here from God; yes, I have come from him; not that I came because I chose, no, I was sent, and by him.” The truth is that Jesus’ opponents are so confused in their ignorance and sinfulness, that they no longer know who they are, nor do they know or even recognise the truth. May we never fall into the same trap ourselves.
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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.