Joint Christmas Message from the Bishops of Cork:
The Most Reverend John Buckley and the Right Reverend Paul Colton
Christmas 2010
‘Do not be afraid’
Fear marks much of our living in these uncertain and distressing times. In our work and contact with people, both within and outside our churches, we come across fear of the future, fear for the financial viability of our working, living and jobs, and fear for our children’s tomorrows.
These times are unfamiliar and strange for many in this generation, and this adds to the insecurity.
The road we are travelling together in these days in our Irish society may be new to us, but the experiences we are going through have been known to humanity, again and again, in many eras.
The announcement of the Christmas message brought its own uncertainty to a young couple: Mary and Joseph. Saint Luke tells us that the shepherds on the hillside were terrified.
There’s was a world of political instability and economic uncertainty: they were looking for a deliverer. The message of the angels to them was ‘Do not be afraid.’
In our difficult times this year the Gospel message endures and crosses the centuries to us in our day - “Do not be afraid … I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”
The Christmas message of hope tells us that God is with us. We are each asked, in turn, to bring that message of hope in practical ways to each other, particularly those who are worst off in these times, and for whom life is most overwhelming.
In the words of one traditional seasonal blessing, therefore, we wish you and yours the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Mary and Joseph, and most especially, the peace of the Christ-child for this Christmas 2010 and for the New Year.
SIC: DCC/IE