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.
A homily by Abbot Brendan at a special Easter Mass for Pope Francis, attended by Catholics from across the Deanery.
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.
