Good afternoon. The first item of business this afternoon is time for reflection. Our time for reflection leader today is Father Paul Lee, of the parish of St Andrew’s in Craigshill, Livingston.
Presiding Officer, thank you for the opportunity to address you this afternoon.
Today is the feast of the annunciation, a day when many Christians around the world reflect on the appearance of the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, foretelling the coming of a saviour who was to be born into our world. A saviour who was to the ultimate example of goodness. A saviour who was to be crowned the prince of peace. A saviour who was to give the highest example of sacrifice by shedding his blood for our benefit. Jesus came into this world to fulfil the written Jewish law of his day, by writing a law of virtue in the hearts of those who listened to his message and who were sent forth to proclaim it throughout the world.
I suspect that one of the reasons that Christianity has endured for so many centuries in our land is that it aspires to teach effectively how living a life steeped in virtue can lead us to happiness and fulfilment, contributing to the common good of our society. Instilling that quality of sound virtue is the challenge that the families of every generation face, and it is a challenge that the leaders of our communities are faced with as well.
Our lawmakers, the custodians of this Parliament, each and every day are faced with issues of debate that have the common aim of creating an environment in which our citizens have a firm disposition to do what is good and right, to provide the platform whereby our kids can learn not only to perform good acts but to be the best they can be, and to give the best of themselves.
We all seek to set an appropriate example by how we conduct ourselves, irrespective of what role in society we play. As we are in the midst of one of the most important periods in our political history, my thoughts and prayers are offered for all of you. In particular, I pray that the pivotal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance will be evident among you in the midst of the debate and in the lead-up to the autumn.
May your conduct be an example to those who bear witness to you.
Amen.