The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Gospel
Matthew 13:54-58
‘Is not this the carpenter’s son? Where then did this man get all these things?’

At that time: Coming to his home town Jesus taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?’ And they took offence at him. But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honour except in his home town and in his own household.’ And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.

𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲

Bishop John Keenan, the Bishop with responsibility for Marriage, Family and Life for the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, has welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s call for the serious gaps in palliative and social care to be addressed before the Westminster Parliament considers assisted suicide legislation.

Bishop Keenan said:
“The Prime Minister’s intervention is both timely and welcome. We have a duty to ensure that every person approaching the end of life has access to the compassionate palliative and social care they deserve. No one should ever feel driven towards assisted suicide because they lack the care, support or dignity they need.

“We were grateful that the Scottish Parliament resolutely rejected assisted suicide only recently. We hope this latest intervention will encourage Members of the Westminster Parliament to reflect carefully before taking a step that would fundamentally change the way our society cares for the sick and vulnerable.

“As our Catholic Parliamentary Officer, Anthony Horan, has rightly said: ‘The last thing the country needs is another divisive debate about assisted suicide. We need to make progress in improving palliative and social care, not offering vulnerable people state support to end their lives.’ I share that conviction wholeheartedly.

“This is an opportunity to rethink the whole approach to assisted suicide. The compassionate response to suffering is never to help people end their lives, but to ensure they receive the high-quality care, love and accompaniment they need. Let us pray for all who are seriously ill, for their families and carers, and for those in public office, that they may always uphold the dignity of every human life and work to build a society that truly cares for its most vulnerable members.”

Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus of Bethany occupy a special place in the Gospel as close friends of Jesus. Their home, located just outside Jerusalem, was a place where the Lord was always warmly welcomed. Unlike many of His encounters with others, Jesus visited their household not as a preacher addressing a crowd, but as a trusted friend among those who loved Him.

The Gospels present each sibling with their own unique gifts and character. Martha is remembered for her practical service and hospitality, ensuring that the needs of her guests were met. Mary is known for her contemplative spirit, sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening attentively to His teaching. Lazarus, their brother, became a powerful witness to Christ through one of the most remarkable miracles recorded in Scripture.

Martha’s greatest moment in the Gospel comes after the death of Lazarus. As she mourned her brother, Jesus spoke to her the words, *“I am the resurrection and the life.”* In response, Martha made a profound profession of faith, declaring her belief that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Her words remain one of the clearest statements of faith found in the New Testament.

The friendship between Jesus and this family is especially evident in the account of Lazarus’ death. When Jesus arrived at Bethany and saw the grief of those who loved Lazarus, He was deeply moved. The Gospel records the shortest and one of the most powerful verses in Scripture: “Jesus wept.” Soon afterwards, He called Lazarus from the tomb, restoring him to life and revealing His power over death.

Mary also plays an important role in the Gospel story. Shortly before Christ’s Passion, she anointed His feet with costly perfume and wiped them with her hair, an act of love and devotion that Jesus praised. Her actions pointed towards the sacrifice He would soon make for the salvation of the world.

Over the centuries, many traditions and legends developed about the later lives of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. While historical details remain uncertain, their witness has inspired Christian devotion from the earliest centuries of the Church.

🎙️ Thought for the Day

This morning, Archbishop Leo Cushley will be sharing Thought for the Day on BBC Radio Scotland.

📻 Tune in at 7.25am to hear his reflection.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live/bbc_radio_scotland_fm

Gospel
Matthew 13:36-43
‘Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age.’

At that time: Jesus left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, ‘Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.’ He answered, ‘The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.’