The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Dear Brothers and Sisters.

On the First Sunday of Advent all parishes in Scotland will begin using our new translation of the Lectionary, taken from the English Standard Version Catholic Edition of the Bible (published 2018). This new translation has been chosen by the Bishops of Scotland, and the Bishops of England and Wales, and approved by the Dicastery for Divine Worship in the Vatican for the proclamation of God’s Word to His People at Mass.

During the celebration of Mass, the privileged moment in which the Lord Jesus speaks directly to the hearts of all who are gathered is the Liturgy of the Word. When the Sacred Scriptures are proclaimed at Mass, the Lord God addresses each one of us, offering us a word of encouragement, consolation, and grace. To receive this gift, it is necessary to be attentive, humble, and docile to the Word of God addressed to us. Our Lectionary is the liturgical means that this gift of God’s Word is carried over to His people.

Recently my brother Bishop, Hugh Gilbert of the Diocese of Aberdeen, spoke of the Lectionary as ‘a bridge by which the biblical Word of God crosses over to believers gathered for worship. It bottles the wine of Scripture, as it were, for it to be served at the Table of the Word. When its words are read it is as if they are poured into the glasses of the faithful, each according to the measure of faith given them, and so imbibed.’

This is a heartening image and speaks to the richness and invigorating effects of Sacred Scripture: lifting our hearts and minds to contemplate God who has revealed Himself to us, whilst recalling that such a grace must be received with humility and gratitude for what it is – a gift of God.

All the readings we will hear throughout the Liturgical Year are the same portions of Scripture we know and are accustomed to, yet this new translation offers the opportunity to read them with fresh eyes, to hear them with attentive ears, and to receive them as a pure and inexhaustible gift from God. As St Ephraim once said, ‘within Sacred Scripture God has buried manifold treasures, so that each of us might grow rich in seeking them out.’

God’s Word has the power not only to address us directly, but also to penetrate our very depths, casting its light and clarity to the far reaches of our being, and to carry us forward and upward to God. As the Letter to the Hebrews puts it, ‘the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart’ (4:12).

It is my confident hope and prayer that is new translation of the Sacred Scriptures will be an opportunity for all of us, the People of God, ministered to by our priests and deacons, to ponder anew the inestimable gift the Lord God has bestowed upon us through His Word, and so grow in knowledge, love, and devotion of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is revealed to us on every page of His Holy Word.

With my prayers and best wishes as we look forward to Advent.
Yours in Christ,

+ Joseph Toal

Today we start our Advent journey, the importance of Advent is found in its invitation to pause amidst the hustle and occasional chaos of the holiday season. It encourages us to reflect and spiritually prepare for the coming of Jesus.
This time allows us to examine our hearts, seek forgiveness, and get ready to embrace the joy of Christmas with open spirits. Each week's themes during this season help to realign priorities, nurture faith, and foster a sense of community as families and congregations unite in celebration.

https://www.thenational.scot/politics/
Majority of Scottish MPs voted against


PLANS to introduce assisted dying in England and Wales have cleared their first parliamentary stages.

A spokesperson for Disability Rights UK said: “This decision comes as a profound betrayal to disabled people across the UK, who continue to struggle to live with dignity in a society that fails to meet even our most basic needs.
“At a time when social care is chronically underfunded, accessible housing is scarce, and many disabled people are unable to afford food, energy, or other essentials, this legislation sends a chilling message: the government prioritises the right to die over the right to live.”

https://www.facebook.com/100064625922111/posts/974218434742345/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v


Happy Feast of St Andrew!

From the 1921 Prayer Book of the College:

When the blessed Andrew came to the place where the cross was made ready, he exclaimed and said:
“O precious cross, for a long time have I desired thee, and, not that thou art made ready for me, my soul is drawn to thee, and I come to thee in peace and gladness; thou also oughtest to welcome me with joy, for I am the disciple of Him who hung on thee.”

We humbly entreat Thy majesty, O Lord:
That as the blessed Apostle Andrew was once a teacher and ruler of Thy Church: so he may be a constant advocate for us before Thee.

St Andrew: pray for us!

Bishop John Keenan has reacted to the UK Parliament's decision to pass Kim Leadbeater's assisted suicide Bill at second reading:

"This is a sad day for the sick, the vulnerable and the disabled in society. Today’s vote strikes a blow against the foundational principle of medicine "do no harm". Since parliamentarians have voted to create a category of people that the state will help to commit suicide, doctors will now be invited to help their patients to kill themselves. As we have seen across the world, once enacted these laws are rapidly and dangerously expanded."