The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Gospel
Matthew 4:1-11
Jesus fasts for forty days and is tempted.

At that time: Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
And the tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But he answered, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” ’
Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the Temple and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “He will command his angels concerning you”, and “On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.” ’ Jesus said to him, ‘Again it is written, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” ’
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, ‘All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.” ’ Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.

Gospel
Luke 5:27-32
‘I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.’

At that time: Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.
And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’ And Jesus answered them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.’

Today, the first Friday of Lent, is dedicated across Scotland to remembering and praying for survivors of abuse.

We do not always know who they are when we gather as a community to pray. Some no longer feel able to come into church with us, and their absence is deeply felt. Abuse within the Church, whether carried out by clergy, religious or lay members, was a betrayal of the sanctuary the Church is called to be. Its effects continue to ripple through families and communities. These are not easy realities to face, yet it is a sacred duty and an act of justice to acknowledge the harm that has been done and to pray humbly for healing, reconciliation and the rebuilding of trust.

May our communities always be a true sanctuary for those who are vulnerable, in danger or in distress.

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has been exploring the possibility of bringing together our various agencies and commissions under one roof. The former Martyrs’ School building in Glasgow was identified as a potential solution, and so a project team was charged with outlining viability and costs.

Following the meeting of the Bishops’ Conference in January, the Bishops agreed not to move forward with the Martyrs’ project. The local authority and other stakeholders have been informed.

The decision was ultimately taken on the basis that the costs required to make the building fit for purpose were considered too high.

The Bishops’ Conference is now reviewing options within its existing estate.

Gospel
Matthew 9:14-15
‘When the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast.’

At that time: The disciples of John came to Jesus, saying, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.’