Gospel of the Day (Luke 2:36-40)

At that time: There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the Temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
And when Joseph and Mary had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favour of God was upon him.

Holy Mass of the Fifth Day of the Christmas Octave | 29 December 2025
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Bishop Toal's Sunday Reflection on Sunday, 28 December 2025

In a rare and significant moment of agreement, MSPs from Labour, the SNP and the Conservatives have raised serious concerns about the Assisted Dying Bill currently before the Scottish Parliament.

All parties agree on one thing: everyone deserves compassionate and dignified care at the end of life. However, they warn that the bill risks doing the opposite: entrenching injustice and inequality, particularly for the most vulnerable.

More than 100 reasonable amendments designed to improve safety have already been rejected by the Holyrood committee. These included proposals to:
• strengthen palliative care
• provide clear guidance if assisted suicide drugs fail or complications occur
• protect conscience rights for medical staff
• require training on the rights of people with disabilities
• ensure transparent reporting on complications and outcomes

Writing in The Times, former Scottish Chief Medical Officer Sir Harry Burns and Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, warn:

“Our experience of pastoral and medical care leaves us deeply troubled… particularly by the unwillingness of the bill’s proponents to consider any amendments improving palliative care services. As we face the real threat of palliative care beds being closed this year, the pressure to opt for assisted suicide could become immense.”

At a time when end-of-life care services are under real strain, the refusal to strengthen palliative care is deeply concerning.

This bill is not safe, and it risks harming far more people than it seeks to help. We urge MSPs to reject this legislation and instead begin a meaningful, compassionate debate about how Scotland truly cares for people at the end of life.

📖 Read the article below
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📍 Contact your MSP and make your voice heard: https://carenotkilling.scot/

🙏PRAYER TO THE HOLY FAMILY FOR REFUGEES

On the Feast of the Holy Family we ask Jesus, Mary and Joseph who once had to flee violence and persecution themselves, to accompany all families and people who are seeking sanctuary today:

Lord Jesus, Son of God,
you know what it is to flee your home in fear,
to seek safety in a foreign land.
Be close to all who are forced to leave
their homes, their livelihoods, and all that is familiar.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,
you know the anxiety of seeking shelter,
of protecting your child amid danger and threat.
Comfort all mothers and caregivers who are displaced, and surround their children with your gentle love and care.

Saint Joseph, faithful guardian of the Holy Family,
you led Jesus and Mary to safety in Egypt.
Guide and protect all families
and people fleeing war, persecution, poverty, and violence.
Intercede for them that they may know safe passage, sanctuary, and the hope and courage to build new lives.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
help us to recognise you
in every refugee, migrant, and displaced person.
Remove our fear, indifference, and suspicion,
and fill us with the love of Christ,
that we may welcome the stranger
with open hearts and generous hands,
sharing our resources and our solidarity.

Inspire our leaders and nations
to work for justice and peace,
so that every family may live without fear of violence, war, and persecution
and every person may find dignity, safety, and belonging.

Amen

📷 Image - 'Refugees: The Holy Family' by Kelly Latimore