Press Releases
JOINT CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOPS OF CLOGHER
Christmas invites us to look again at the gift of peace which Jesus offers us. He is himself that peace, we call him the Prince of Peace. But even though we share his peace with those who are close to us, with family and friends, we often fail to share it across the community. Too many people feel shut out from the peace of Christ, having little to share and little to celebrate. The world of Christmas peace and the world we see around us seem far apart.
We commemorate this month fifty years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This is a timely reminder that those in need, those with disabilities and those unfairly treated are entitled to their basic rights. Our problem is that we spend too much of our time considering our own rights rather than the rights of others. We lock ourselves into our own point of view, into an exclusive preoccupation with our own interest. We have developed for ourselves a claim and blame society. Meanwhile there are those who have missed out on their rights, victims in the community who need to be cared for and who are waiting for our love.
Jesus demonstrated a radical new way of tackling the problem of human rights. He came with no demands for himself, he came to be Immanuel - God with us. He came to bring salvation, to bring the promise of an eventual end to deprivation and division, and to fan the ashes of desperation into a bright flame of hope. He knew that saving grace brings pain as the price of joy, and that in overcoming evil and injustice he would become the ultimate victim, not fighting for his own rights but always giving of himself to relieve other people's suffering and to meet their deepest needs.
As Christmas approaches the key question in our search for peace is this. Are we prepared, as Jesus was, to sacrifice freely and willingly any part of our rights, however minor, for the benefit of those in need and for the greater good of the whole community? The greatest gift we have to offer is always something of ourselves, and most of all a generous and loving spirit. So let's face with honesty our self-centredness with all its stubborn prejudices, suspicions and fears, and at each moment of decision ask ourselves the simple question, "What would Jesus do?" Make space for the message of Bethlehem.
May the season of good will bring peace to you, and to others through you.
| +Joseph Duffy | +Brian Hannon |
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THE CHURCH OF IRELAND PRESS OFFICE
Church of Ireland House
61 - 67 Donegall Street
Belfast BT1 2QH