Christmas Message 2015 from Bishop John Fleming, Bishop of Killala

23 Dec 2015

Christmas calls us once again to focus on the spring of hope, when the birth of a child, named Jesus, assures us of the triumph of the love of God over human sinfulness and the healing power of God over the brokenness of our lives.  Nature itself reflects this victory.  In these cold, dark days of mid-winter the cold which we experience is giving a kick start to the flowers which will herald the joy of spring with snowdrops, daffodils and tulips.  Therefore, in this season of darkness, shoots of hope are already on the way.

The Jubilee of Mercy, which has just begun, also gives us a new opportunity for hope.  During this coming year we will focus on the theme of mercy and, with God’s help, become more aware of the meaning of and the need for mercy in every aspect of our own lives and the life of this community.  I invite you to visit the Door of Mercy in Saint Muredach’s Cathedral during this year and also to read some of the literature which will become available.  I ask you to keep the notion of mercy in your mind at all times so that it will influence all your decisions.

My prayers for everyone this Christmas is that this season of hope and good will can penetrate and transform all our lives.  May the mercy of God become a reality in all our lives, as we become more merciful ourselves.

+ John Fleming                                                   

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