The year just past has been a testing one for the Church in Scotland. But the Catholic community emerges from it heartened by the Year of Faith and by the leadership of Pope Francis.
Christmas is the feast of hope. As we draw closer to the great feast, we draw comfort from the warmth of family relationships and the prospect of being together with those we love to celebrate the news of God assuming human flesh to come among us and save us.
The birth of Christ was memorably described by Blessed John Paul II as “the centre of the universe and of history” (cf Redemptor Hominis 1). And so it is.
This year, as every year, we look to the crib scene in our homes and parishes to draw inspiration and new energy in living out our faith and family life. We see in that stable a perfect model for our existence – a family united in love, caring each for the other, surrounded by the support and affection of others from the wider community.
As we give thanks to God this Christmas for our families, let’s not forget those for whom family life has become a burden or a trial – those who have lost a partner through death; those wounded by divorce or separation; those separated by continents from loved ones and those children who do not have loving parents to care for them.
This Christmas let us renew our hope.
Be kind in your giving.
Be generous in your loving.
Be strong in your faith.
Christus natus est pro nobis. Venite adoremus!
I wish readers of The Tablet a happy Christmas.
Loading ...
