Message of Abbot Paul - Wednesday 2nd August 2023
Abbot Paul • August 2, 2023
Message from Fr Paul for Wednesday, 2nd August 2023
It was good to collect Toby from kennels yesterday afternoon and go off immediately for a good walk with him. I can’t imagine what life would be like without a canine companion, although I also love cats. In fact, I’ve always found cats to be more demonstratively affectionate that dogs. One of the great advantages of having a dog is the many opportunities there are for exercise each day. I know how little exercise I would take were it not for Toby. I owe my good health and happy disposition to him and, of course, to the God who made him and me alike!
It was a great joy to be able to see part of the opening Mass of World Youth Day from Lisbon last night. What a beautiful celebration, such a happy occasion, and how moving to see young people from so many countries all over the world, even from those countries where the faith is under persecution, such as Nicaragua. I just wish there were no commentators. They really know how to spoil a liturgical celebration!
Yesterday’s Gospel reading was the explanation given by Jesus himself of the parable of the wheat and the darnel. Today we continue to read Matthew, (Mt 13: 44-46), a short passage indeed, but containing the two parables that follow, that of treasure hidden in a field and that of the pearl of great value. This is how Jesus puts it, speaking with the crowds as well as with his disciples.
“Jesus said to the crowds: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off happy, sells everything he owns and buys the field.
‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it.’”
Essentially, Jesus is telling us that nothing is more important or of more value than the kingdom of heaven, which is why it can be compared to hidden treasure or an expensive pearl. We would make any effort or go to any expense just to acquire them, and it must surely be the same with the kingdom. What are we prepared to do or do without in order to enter the kingdom of heaven? What sacrifices are we prepared to make? Jesus always gives us much to think about.
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.
