Peace was the greeting of the angels announcing the birth of Jesus. "Peace to God's people on earth". And all people of every race and creed are God's people, each one my sister or brother. Violence and terror shatter that peace today in an endless list of countries, in Iraq, Turkey, Afghanistan, Liberia, Russia and, of course, in the land sanctified by the footsteps of the Prince of Peace Himself; while in our own land peace is still threathened by the scourge of sectarian hatred and bitterness often with violent consequences and by the newer scourge of racial disdain and discrimination. We will never have lasting peace till those scourges are removed, and here we all bear a responsibility. Peace is a precious word, peace is a precious gift. It is a gift held out to each one of us, to each family, to each community, to each nation, by the Prince of Peace. I think and pray especially for all who are lonely, perhaps living alone or coping with a recent family bereavement, for the elderly who are nervous because of the increasing number of cowardly and vicious attacks on the vulnerable, for all who are troubled and anxious, for the ill at home or in hospital. May we all enjoy the gift of peace at Christmas. Most Rev Patrick Walsh Bishop of Down and Connor. December 2003 |