The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Gospel
Mark 12:1-12
‘They took the beloved son and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard.’

At that time: Jesus began to speak to the chief priests and the scribes and the elders in parables. ‘A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the wine press and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country. When the season came, he sent a servant to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent to them another servant, and they struck him on the head and treated him shamefully. And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, “They will respect my son.” But those tenants said to one another, “This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.” And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this Scripture: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes”?’
And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. So they left him and went away.

Bishop Toal Sunday Reflection - 31st May 2026

Behind every episcopal motto is a story of faith, prayer and the hopes a bishop carries into his ministry.

In tonight’s video, Bishop John Keenan reflects on the meaning behind his episcopal motto: “Suscepit servum recordatus misericordiae” — “He looks on his servant, remembering his mercy.”

Taken from the Magnificat, Bishop Keenan shares how the words reflect trust in God’s mercy, devotion to Our Blessed Lady and the humility of serving as a bishop within the wider tradition of the Church.

Speaking honestly about the enormity of episcopal ministry and the comfort found in God’s mercy, Bishop Keenan explains why these words became the foundation of his ministry.

Watch now as Bishop Keenan shares the inspiration behind his motto.

Today we celebrate the mystery of one God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

'Blest be God the Father,
and the Only Begotten Son of God,
and also the Holy Spirit,
for he has shown us his merciful love'

A bishop’s motto often reflects the values and vision that guide his ministry and relationship with the people he serves.

In tonight’s video, Bishop Joseph Toal reflects on the meaning behind his episcopal motto: “Walk humbly with God.”

Taken from the Prophet Micah, Bishop Toal shares how these words have shaped his ministry, from walking alongside communities in Argyll and the Isles to serving the people of the Diocese of Motherwell today.

Reflecting on faith, humility and the presence of God in both nature and daily life, Bishop Toal explains why this Scripture passage became the guiding thread of his episcopal ministry.

Watch now as Bishop Toal shares the inspiration behind his motto.