Bishop Toal's Sunday Refletion for Fourth Sunday of Advent

21 December – O Oriens

Today we acclaim Christ as O Oriens, the Radiant Dawn and Light of the world. He is the true sunrise who breaks through the darkness of sin and despair. By His teaching, His example, and His saving sacrifice, Christ brings light to hearts searching for meaning. From the manger to the cross, from the tabernacle to the depths of our own lives, He shines as the answer to humanity’s deepest questions and the hope that never fades.

20 December – O Clavis David

With O Key of David, we acknowledge Christ as the one who holds all authority. To Him belong the keys that open what no one can close and close what no one can open. He is Lord over the Church and over every human heart. In a world marked by uncertainty, error, and struggle, Christ alone has power over sin, darkness, and death. Today we place our trust in Him, confident that our lives and the life of the Church are held securely in His hands.

🙏A CHRISTMAS PRAYER FOR JUSTICE & PEACE

As we wait to welcome Jesus,
the Prince of Peace,
born among the poor and laid in a manger,
we place before God the injustices in our world.

In a time of war and division,
fear and intolerance,
may the light of Christ’s coming
shine through the darkness.

May the child of Bethlehem
soften hardened hearts,
turn us away from violence and indifference,
and inspire us to sow seeds of harmony, justice, and peace.

May the infant Jesus inspire us to recognise the humanity in the refugee, the excluded, and the forgotten;
to choose dialogue over division,
compassion over fear,
and hope over despair.

As pilgrims of hope this Christmas,
may we be hopeful bearers of peace:
in our homes, our communities,
and in our shared global family.

May the light of the manager illuminate the world with love, dignity, justice, and pace.

Amen.

The Scottish Parliament is currently considering amendments to the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill, which would seek to change the current religious opt-out provisions in Scottish schools.

A spokesperson for Scotland’s Catholic Bishops said the Church is disappointed and confused with the Scottish Parliament Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee's decision to agree an amendment that has the effect of separating Religious Education (RE) and Religious Observance (RO) in schools.

The spokesperson said: “There is an intrinsic link between RE and RO in Catholic schools. Religious Education gives knowledge of faith, while Religious Observance is the living expression. One without the other risks empty ritual or solely ‘head’ knowledge.

“Separating them suggests that the Scottish Government, and those who voted for this amendment, do not value their role in Catholic schools. Furthermore, we are concerned that this amendment has the effect of changing the long-standing conscience clause in section 9 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 and removes important rights for parents.

“We continue to be disappointed with the policy of the Scottish Green party, as confirmed by Maggie Chapman during the Committee session on Tuesday, to campaign for the removal of denominational schools from the Scottish Education system. The inclusion of denominational schools in the state system in Scotland continues to be an example of a diverse, pluralistic, democratic education system in action.

“The Catholic Church looks forward to constructive engagement in Stage 3 of the Bill, and to working collaboratively with government, parliament, and other stakeholders to ensure that any final legislation respects both parent and children’s rights and the rich heritage of Catholic education in Scotland.”