Plenary, 20 Jan 2010

Meeting date: Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Official Report 386KB pdf

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Time for Reflection

Good afternoon. The first item of business is time for reflection, for which our leader is the Right Rev David Gillham, Bishop of the Open Episcopal Church in Scotland.

Good afternoon, Presiding Officer and members of the Scottish Parliament. This week, the Scottish churches are celebrating the week of prayer for Christian unity, which is an annual opportunity for all us churches to get together and show that we are one undivided Christian faith.

Today—day 3 in our schedule—and again this coming Sunday, we are asked to focus on the story from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 24, verse 18, in which Jesus walked with the men who were travelling on the road to Emmaus but was not, at first, recognised by them. The prayer that we offer for today says:

"God, we walk the same road as those from whom the incidents of history have divided us. Draw us ever closer, so that together we may reflect the unity for which your son prayed."

For tomorrow's designated service, our reflection adds that

"The past is not entirely past but flows unseen; a hidden stream, life-giving source in barren seasons yet sometimes, sadly, trapped in stagnant pools.

When broken dreams disorientate disciples, leaving them orphaned from meaning and hope, there come, afresh, traditions transforming truth to reassemble God's life-giving pattern."

Sometimes, it is difficult for each of us to know which path we should take. Often, there are many paths, each with different twists and turns that face us in life—that is perhaps especially so when we are responsible for the safety and comfort of others. It is always comforting to know that our God walks with us. Whether or not we are conscious of his presence, he is always there with us.

Usually, the complex problems that we face on our journey have no instant answers. Often, there are no right or wrong answers—simply different solutions. Whatever we do as individuals in our private or public lives, and whatever you do together as a legislative body, there will be those outside who agree and those who disagree with your actions. There will be those who gain from your decisions and—inevitably—those who lose. What is important is that we strive at all times to do what is right and just and what honours God's life-giving pattern.

If we do that, we can truly say that we are heeding the words of the Old Testament prophet Micah, who said to us:

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

May God bless you and walk with you in your deliberations today and always.