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.
Br Meinrad and Br Gildas attend a special service with the Benedictine community of St Paul's Outside the Walls with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Honesty and Love Before God: Pharisee and Tax Collector; Pope and King - a homily by Abbot Brendan for the 30th Sunday of the Year.
We are sad to announce that Fr Stephen died on Monday 21st October 2055. He was 94. He died peacefully in hospital, having recently fractured his shoulder. He was a beloved member of the monastic community, who had settled back at Belmont after many years on Belmont parishes, including in Abergavenny, Swansea, Hereford and Weobley. He will be much missed. His Requiem Mass will be at Belmont on Wednesday, 5th November at 11.30am followed by burial in the monastic cemetery. The Reception of his Body into the Abbey Church will take place on Tuesday, 4th November, at 5.45pm.
With honoured guests we were delighted to open our doors again of our new guesthouse and conference centre: The Chapterhouse.
"A hymn to the human body." Abbot Brendan's Homily at the annual Mass celebrated at Rotherwas Chapel in Hereford that dates from the 1580s on the feast of the Assumption.
From Francis to Leo: A special event with Christopher Lamb of CNN in conversation with Austin Ivereigh who commentated for the BBC on the transition from Pope Francis to Pope Leo.
On 12th June an Ecumenical Service was held at Hereford Cathedral to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea.
