Message of Abbot Paul - Wednesday 7th June 2023

I apologise if my messages are rather erratic at the moment, but being in Greece changes many things, starting with my daily timetable and fitting in with friends rather than with my monastic community. It’s a welcome change and a restful one, not having to listen out constantly for bells and the straightjacket of a rigid timetable. Only 48 hours of freedom left, so I’d better make the most of it! Yesterday we returned to the hospital for further examinations and the results of Monday’s tests. It was fascinating to note the relaxed way in which everything was done and the affection shown by consultants and nurses alike. I could write a novel entitled ‘Healed by kisses’!

We then passed by a supermarket, a betting shop (for the national lottery - if I win, will I be allowed to take the millions to England?), a pharmacy and the most exquisite ice cream parlour. I noted how extremely polite and cultured staff were everywhere and how elegant and hygienic all these establishments were, a real eye opener. I was particularly interested to see the vast selection of Greek cheeses on display. I won’t elaborate on the ice cream, but the unsweetened pure chocolate ice cream was the answer to prayer.

Our Gospel today, coming from Mark, (Mk 12: 18-27), relates the argument between the Sadducees, who do not believe in the resurrection and eternal life, with Jesus. To argue against Jesus they use the red herring of a woman widowed seven times of seven brothers. Whose wife will she be in heaven? Jesus corrects them, teaching that eternal life is not a mere continuation of this life, with its joys and sorrows, but life on another plane, not simply life in God’s presence, but life in God, when God will be all in all.