Scottish Catholic Observer

Bishop Emeritus Peter Moran, Bishop-President of Justice and Peace Scotland, has said that giving to the poor is both a challenge and a duty.

In a letter read out at each Mass of the Epiphany last weekend, the Bishop Emeritus writes that ‘helping the poor by giving is a straightforward challenge and a duty.’ “This season of giving, give locally or internationally to any of a hundred charities,” he writes. “Give according to your means—little or much.”

Every year on the Feast of the Epiphany a letter from the Bishop President of Justice and Peace is read out at every Mass. This year, Bishop Emeritus Moran examined the Nativity story in light of the modern world. “Were the wise men’s gifts appropriate?” he asked. “In a royal palace they would have been: Precious metal, sweet ointment, rare perfume. But what that child needed was cash for basics, medical care, and support from someone powerful.

“Jesus was born poor, vulnerable and powerless. In the gospel and through the Church he calls us to see him in every poor, vulnerable and powerless person today.”

We should remember, the Bishop wrote, that we are not powerless though as we have the power of prayer. “We can pray,” he writes. “Prayer works. We can raise awareness among friends and workmates. We can join, or even set up, a local Justice and Peace Group. We can change attitudes—our own and other people’s. We can write, use social media, contact politicians, and join demonstrations.”

Bishop Emeritus Moran concluded by writing that working for justice promotes peace and urged parishioners to search the internet for more information on Justice and Peace Scotland. “Today’s special collection supports both national and local justice and peace activities,” he writes. “Please think of it as your gift to the Child of Bethlehem, still needy nowadays.”