Plenary, 10 Jan 2001

Meeting date: Wednesday, January 10, 2001

Official Report 357KB pdf

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Time for Reflection

We welcome to lead our time for reflection today the Reverend Sheila Blount, the minister of Falkirk Old and St Modan's parish church.

The gospel of John, chapter 1, from verse 1, tells us:

"Before the world was created, the Word already existed; he was with God and he was the same as God. From the very beginning, the Word was with God.

Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without Him.

The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out . . .

The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory; the glory which he received as the Father's only Son."

Amen. Thanks be to God.

Those words speak to us at the beginning of a new year, a reminder that we are not the beginning and the end of all things. Yesterday evening witnessed the first total eclipse of the moon in the 21st century. I caught sight of it as I was driving back to Scotland from down south. By the end of my journey, the anticipated reddish haze was present, evidently the remnants of volcanic activity in the earth's atmosphere. Compared with last year's millennium events, it was still quite striking—and no one here arranged it.

For a few short moments, we lift our eyes and our awareness and perspective changes. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has never put it out. Like an eclipse, things can get in the way. Sometimes they can appear quite colourful, but mostly it is the shadow of darkness. The shadow can become so deep that we begin to believe that there is no light.

Let us pray.

Lord God of all creation, enrich our perception of your world. Create in us an awareness of the variety and wonder of this planet. In this land of Scotland, encourage us to care for all that is entrusted to us. We pray for this Parliament and for the business of the week ahead, that we may listen to one another with respect and openness, not only in this chamber, but in the streets and on the streets. Awaken in all your people a fresh desire for justice, a deep concern for all victims of violence and the powerful realisation that we have gifts to share that can and will make a difference in places of darkness, division, pain and sorrow. Together, may we know your blessing in the light of your love, revealed in Jesus, our saviour.

Amen.