Message of Abbot Paul - Wednesday 8th November 2023
Abbot Paul • November 7, 2023
Yesterday I posted a few photographs of my walk on the beach with Toby. Fr Cenydd in Whitehaven was so impressed that he went down to the beach at St Bees and took a few photographs of his own. I’ll share those with you today. As the situation gets much worse both in Ukraine as in Palestine, Gaza and Israel, let us intensify our prayers for peace and an end to war, killing and destruction. What good can come of it? None whatever.
In today’s Gospel passage from Luke (Lk 14: 25-33) Jesus talks to the crowds about the nature and demands of discipleship. What does it take to be a disciple of Jesus? There are two criteria: we have to put Jesus first and we have to carry the cross. “If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes and his own life too, he cannot be my disciple. Anyone who does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” At first sight, these words sound harsh and unrealistic. Am I really expected to hate my loved ones or even myself? Do I really have to carry a cross? Jesus often uses words that make you stop in your tracks. He wants us to think! He is asking us for undivided loyalty, not an emotional attachment. Our primary allegiance must be to him. Discipleship is defined by following Jesus and carrying the cross. You will remember that wonderful book by Dietrich Bonhoeffer The Cost of Discipleship. He died in a concentration camp for his Christian faith. Being a Christian is not for the half-hearted. Jesus really wants all or nothing. He then goes on to tell two short parables leading to his parting shot: “So in the same way, none of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all his possessions.” Again, he’s not asking us to throw everything away or give it all to a charity shop; it’s a question of allegiance and loyalty. Jesus and his mission to preach the Gospel and bring all people to salvation, beginning with ourselves, must come first.
Lord, help me to become wholehearted and single-minded in my discipleship. Grant me the grace to seek first the kingdom of God. All else will then be your gift. Amen.
Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB Bishop Mark died peacefully on 9th May. He served this community well for many years, not least Abbot of the Community and before that Headmaster of the School. He was then asked to serve the wider church as Bishop of Menevia. May he know eternal happiness with God whom he served. Please pray for the eternal happiness of Rt. Rev. Dom Mark Jabalé 10th Bishop of Menevia 10th Abbot of Belmont who died 9th May 2025 in the 92nd year of his age, the 73rd year of his monastic life and the 67th year of his priesthood. May he rest in peace
A homily by Abbot Brendan at a special Easter Mass for Pope Francis, attended by Catholics from across the Deanery.
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.
