Message of Abbot Paul - Wednesday - 6th March 2024
Abbot Paul • March 5, 2024
​The three monotheistic faiths, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, are intimately linked to each other historically, theologically and spiritually. In the case of Christianity, it rose directly out of Judaism, centred as it is on the person of Jesus Christ, whom we believe to be the true Messiah, Son of God incarnate and Saviour of the world. The New Testament was written at a juncture in the history of the early Church, when Christians were forming a new religion, rooted in and yet becoming separate from Judaism. Founded on the Old, they were becoming the people of the New Covenant, sealed in the blood of Christ, the glory of his resurrection and the power of the Holy Spirit. The Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles of Paul and the other Apostles and the Book of Revelation, written over a 70 year period, witnessed to that process by which the disciples and followers of the Way became local communities of believers, separate from the synagogue, Christians belonging to the mystical Body of Christ, the Church of God.
​Today’s Gospel passage comes from Matthew, (Mt 5: 17-19), a short section from the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus appears as the new Moses, interpreting in a new and dynamic way, the commandments given to Israel through Moses on Mount Sinai, by acceptance of which the Hebrews were constituted as the people of the Covenant. It’s interesting to note what Jesus says, speaking with his disciples: “Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them.” Jesus makes it quite clear that he has not come to abolish but to complete or fulfil the Law and the Prophets, the faith of Israel. Jesus does not see his coming as a break with the past, but rather as its fulfilment for he proclaims God’s law of love with its intended and authentic interpretation. He reveals to us the mind of God and the true spirit of the Law. “I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved. Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.” Who would these teachers be who infringe the Law and teach others to do the same? In the first place, the scribes or doctors of the Law, then the leaders of the Pharisee party and finally the chief priests. In fact, throughout the Gospel, Jesus is at loggerheads with all three groups. It’s interesting that Jesus doesn’t condemn them outright, rather he consigns them to be among the “least in the kingdom of heaven.”
​What does this mean for us? Jesus would say that we respect the Scriptures and the teaching of Moses and the Prophets and that we take the commandments seriously. Above all, he would want us to follow his own teaching on the Law and live according to the example he has given us. Lord Jesus, this Lent and always, teach us to love the word of God and its teaching and to live, following your example of love and compassion. Amen.
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.
