Scottish Catholic Observer

When Pope Francis addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week there were many topics to tackle—immigration, the sanctity of life, religious freedom, world peace… the list goes on. It came as no surprise that human life and evangelisation topped the list.

As only the second Pope to address this body, and the shambolic security that allowed the late Ian Paisley to insult St John Paul II during the first visit in October 1988, surely, everyone thought, the only way is up. No doubt Martin Schulz, president of the European Parliament, who extended the invitation to Pope Francis, was determined to obtain a better outcome this time.

Times have changed, as many Catholics know only too well, and other denominations are not the enemy.

The European Parliament was founded using the principles of Catholic social teaching but look how far it has strayed on, for example, pro-life issues. Yet the European courts often remain the last bastion of support for Christian values when individuals appeal over freedom of conscience issues—a very topical issue here in Scotland with the introduction of gay marriage and in the case of the two Catholic midwives who object to overseeing staff involved in abortion.

We must see the European Parliament’s invitation to Pope Francis as an encouraging sign that in Europe, at least, Catholicism is still recognised and valued.

Busy parents and families can be tempted to view the ‘onset’ of Advent with a weary eye in the knowledge that there is so much to be done before Jesus’ birthday on December 25. Some may even find themselves at Mass mentally compiling lists instead of listening to the Gospel or the homily. And what church organists hasn’t been asked by a harassed but well meaning parishioner for Christmas Carols early ‘to let the children know Santa is coming.’

The spiritual, practical and commercial aspects of Christmas collide but they need not clash. If buying cards and gifts also remind us of our Christian duty to the poor then we are on the right track. Nonetheless, Advent signals a new beginning—as does the announcement of a new bishop for Galloway—and the birth of Jesus heralds a new hope. The Advent period of spiritual preparation is shorter than Lent. Just as Christmas does not happen by itself in our homes, it needs a helping hand in our hearts too.