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.
On the Commemoration of All Souls, Abbot Brendan reflects on the experience of death within a monastic community, the meaning of Purgatory, and St Benedict’s invitation never to lose hope in the mercy of God.
The Belmont community visit Dowlais, and remember the Benedictine Mission to South Wales as the country remembers the Aberfan disaster.
We welcomed the Knights and Dames from the Midlands and South Wales and thanked God for their mission and service.
A double celebration on the feast of St Michael and All Angels
A School of Love by the Wye: Abbot Brendan on the Cistercians on the Feast of the Holy Cross.
The Blessing of new Icons for the Churches in Stratford-upon-Avon, with inspiring talks by the Abbot Primate and Dr Rowan Williams.
“O Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory abides.”
