CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM BISHOP PAUL
When I was appointed bishop of Ardagh &
Clonmacnois by Pope Francis last year, I chose Deus Spes
Mea – God is my hope, as my episcopal motto. A motto
is defined in the dictionary as a brief statement used to
express a goal or ideal. I chose it for a number of reasons,
but most especially because it expresses what is at the
heart of our Christian faith. Its core message is that God
overcomes all obstacles through the fire of hope. We live
in a troubled world where all around us there is difficulty
and pain, so much so that at times we are inclined to
despair.
What is needed in all of us, you and me, and all those
who believe in Christ is that fire of hope. This is the gift
that we give to others and pass on to our children. The
people who have gone before us have left us a legacy of
perseverance in the faith, keeping Christian hope alive
in their time. Now is our turn to persevere, so that this
same light of hope shines from us. We do not know
what the future brings, but we do know that the flame
of Christian hope can continue to burn brightly, even in
the most difficult situations.
The beauty of the Christmas message is the hope that is
found in this weak and vulnerable Christ child who has
come to save us. We are reminded of the love that God
has for each of us, that He is a kind and merciful God.
We are reminded that despite the darkness that engulfs
our world today, especially in the Holy Land, the light of
hope, of faith will endure.
To quote Pope Francis: Let us exult in this gift of grace!
Rejoice you who have abandoned all hope, for God offers
you His outstretched hand; He does not point a finger at
you, but offers you His little baby hand, in order to set
you free from your fears, to relieve you of your burdens
and to show you that, in His eyes, you are more valuable
than anything else.
I wish every one of you a blessed, peaceful Christmas,
full of the joy and peace that the Christ child brings into
our lives.
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