CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP OF LANCASTER CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP OF LANCASTER
Our fractured world desperately needs the message of Christmas hope. Our world is broken by war, underdevelopment, poverty, disease, human rights violations and the casual approach to abortion. All these undermine life and fundamental moral and ethical principles, says Bishop Patrick O’Donoghue, Bishop of Lancaster.
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“Do not be afraid…to you is born this day…a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11)
The enduring annual celebration of Christmas, unfortunately overtaken by excessive consumerism these days, is really rooted in the message emanating from this one night in the history of humankind - a birth that took place more than 2000 years ago, a constant bright spot in our calendar, because God on that day gave us His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. It is the atoning and redeeming presence of Jesus that gives humanity hope – and allows us to overcome our fear.
Hope built on human dignity, equity and reconciliation is needed more than ever today, for a world of fractured communities and nations. We live in a world which fears for the future. We have a world where human rights are systematically violated; where HIV/AIDS and other diseases destroy lives and future hopes; where racism, xenophobia and discrimination demean the human person; where war and conflict kill, maim and displace people; where many poor countries face bleak development prospects; where excessive consumption is damaging the environment, and where society’s lack of human concern is shown most crucially in the casual destruction of human life in the womb. In all of this darkness a Light shines. A light that warms us, and dispels the gloom. A Light that brings reconciliation and restores equity, human dignity and Love.
While some indulge in the blame game for all this human suffering and loss of lives, others experience the mystery of Christmas - the Good News that God is at our side, is one of us, coming into this world as a refugee, in the poverty of a stable in Bethlehem. It is here that the hope for justice and peace has a chance, rooted in God’s merciful presence. This hope is Jesus Christ, who shared with humanity and the whole of creation God’s reconciling and healing communion. We must turn our gaze to him!
I want to give thanks to all those who, in the past year, have followed in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, living as witnesses to the Gospel by engaging in initiatives for justice, peace and reconciliation, by giving hope to the poor, here and in developing countries, defending the rights of dispossessed people, especially asylum seekers and migrants, fighting racism and xenophobia and campaigning on environmental issues. By this you give meaning to the Christian commandment of love and charity – so wonderfully captured by Pope Benedict XVI in his first encyclical Deus Caritas Est
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ I am aware that understanding the working of the Holy Spirit takes a life-time, however, it is my hope and prayer that you we will trust in the mystery of God’s presence and mercy. Let the message of Christmas fill our hearts as we move into the New Year. May we experience deep consolation and peace as we turn to Christ whose promise is sure: “Come unto me … and I shall give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)
May God bless you all,
+Rt Rev Patrick O’Donoghue
Bishop of Lancaster
& Chair of the Office for Refugee Policy
(Catholic Bishops Conference of England & Wales)
