Message of Abbot Paul - Wednesday 7th September
Abbot Paul • September 7, 2022
Message from Fr Paul for Wednesday, 7th September 2022
After months of dry weather, often very hot as well, on Monday night the heavens finally opened and, with thunder and lightning, we had a night’s heavy rainfall. However, the ground was so dry, that yesterday morning the grass was dry underfoot once more as Toby and I took stock of Belmont by the first light of dawn.
Our Gospel passage for today presents us with Luke’s version of the Beatitudes, (Lk 6: 20-26). Strangely, considering that this is Luke, they are not as poetic as Matthew’s, which we find in the Sermon on the Mount, (Mt 5: 1-12). Luke’s Beatitudes are raw and to the point, frightening and even threatening, I would say. This is what we read today:
“Fixing his eyes on his disciples Jesus said:
‘How happy are you who are poor: yours is the kingdom of God.
Happy you who are hungry now: you shall be satisfied.
Happy you who weep now: you shall laugh.
Happy are you when people hate you, drive you out, abuse you, denounce your name as criminal, on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice when that day comes and dance for joy, for then your reward will be great in heaven. This was the way their ancestors treated the prophets.
But alas for you who are rich: you are having your consolation now.
Alas for you who have your fill now: you shall go hungry.
Alas for you who laugh now: you shall mourn and weep.
Alas for you when the world speaks well of you! This was the way their ancestors treated the false prophets.’”
Jesus stares hard at his disciples, fixing his gaze on them. They cannot hope to escape from what he is about to say. Those who are truly blessed are the poor, the hungry, the sorrowful and those who are hated, rejected and persecuted now, for the kingdom of God is theirs and they will be rewarded in such a way that they will rejoice and dance for joy in the age to come. Their sufferings are for the present age alone, for when the kingdom is fully inaugurated, it will be theirs for all eternity. On the other hand, those having a good time now, for whom everything is going well in every respect, had better beware and think twice, for this world is the only heaven they will enjoy and ahead for them lies what the blessed are going through now. The roles will be reversed. Jesus is not afraid to warn his disciples that catastrophe can lie ahead for those who seek the good life here on earth.
I must confess that it is this version of the Beatitudes that makes me think seriously about my life and how I live it, my goals and how I seek them. As St Benedict asks of his novices in the Holy Rule, “Are you truly seeking God?” I ask myself today, Am I truly seeking God?
Charlotte Carver writes about her experience of writing attending one of Fr Alex's Icon workshops.
Many friends came together to celebrate with Fr James his 30th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood - his Silver Jubilee had fallen during covid.
Abbot Brendan Reflects on Pope Leo's words to the Benedictines worldwide
July and August 2026: 3 workshops let by Fr Alex Echeandia, Prior of the Monastery of Lurin
9th to 11th January 2026 A weekend for young men to experience the monastic life and join in the prayer and life of the community.
28th November at 6.45pm You are welcome to join an informal service for healing prayer on the last Friday of November. No need to book.
Sat 13th December, 10.00am-12.30am We are delighted that the acclaimed Cistercian writer, Fr Michael Casey will be with us in December.
Monday 1st to Thursday 4th December 2025. Our first Advent retreat in our newly opened guesthouse
Good Shepherd, Good Priest “I will seek the lost and bring back the strayed; I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak.” Those words, spoken by the Lord God through the prophet Ezekiel, describe the heart of God, the Good Shepherd — but they also describe the life and ministry of a good monk and priest. They could well be written of Fr Stephen’s years of service as a pastor in Abergavenny, Swansea, Hereford, and Weobley. In each of those places, he shared in the Shepherd’s work: seeking out the lost, binding up the wounded, strengthening the weary, and leading God’s people with quiet faithfulness. And like Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who came close to his people, Fr Stephen did not serve from a distance. He knew his people; he was among them. He shared their sorrows and their joys, their hopes and their disappointments. He bore their burdens with prayer and patience he brought the joy of the Gospel and the grace of the Sacraments. His mission amongst us is complete. He has served God’s good purpose. So today we ask Christ the Good Shepherd to take Stephen on his sacred shoulders and carry him home to the house of the Father. Bind up his wounds, give him eternal rest and lead him at last to the green pastures and still waters of eternal life.