The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Three of our Bishops are in Lourdes this week with HCPT, as pilgrims from across the country gather once again in this place that means so much to so many.

Bishop Frank Dougan shares something of what makes this pilgrimage so special. From the moment groups arrive, there is a real sense of welcome, joy and care for one another. It is often called a happy place and you can see why.

At the heart of it all is something simple but powerful. People looking after one another, giving their time, and quietly showing the face of Christ in the way they serve. The theme this year is Together in Love, and it is already being lived out in every small moment.

Please keep all those on pilgrimage in your prayers this week. They are praying for you too.

Gospel
Matthew 28:8-15
‘Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.’

At that time: The women departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell the disciples of Jesus. And behold, Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.’
While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, ‘Tell people, “His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.” And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’ So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.

Easter Message from the Bishops of Scotland

As we celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord today, we rejoice in the victory of light over darkness, of life over death, and of hope over sin and the grave. Christ is risen, and in Him all things are made new.

We offer a special word of welcome and encouragement to those who have been received into the Catholic Church this Easter. Your faith, your courage, and your joy are a gift to us all. You remind the whole Church of the beauty of new life in Christ and the promise of renewal that the Resurrection brings.

May the risen Lord fill out hearts with peace, strengthen us in faith, and guide us always in His love.

Christ is risen. Alleluia!

Gospel
John 12:1-11
‘Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.’

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?’ He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the money bag he used to help himself to what was put into it. Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.’
When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.