"But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." Psalm 86:15
Last night, MSPs voted against the Assisted Dying Bill which had been brought by Liam McArthur. It follows months of scrutiny of the legislation and hours of intense debate. It is an emotive subject and may stir memories from our own lives, of time spent with those who were nearing death or whose condition meant they were in much pain. We may well be wrestling with the stories others have told and with what we believe about this subject.
At last year's GA the Church of Scotland reaffirmed its opposition to assisted dying whilst recognising that there is a diversity of views within our denomination. Today some will be relieved at the result of the vote, others will be disappointed. And no doubt the debate will continue, particularly with legislation currently before the House of Lords.
The word compassion literally means "to suffer with". It is extraordinary that this is a word which is used by the Psalmist and the writers of scripture to describe God. And yet, we are fast approaching Holy Week, where we see at first hand how our God chooses to suffer with and for His people. We will walk the steps along with Jesus, as he endures torture, rejection, betrayal and perhaps most painfully, separation from the Father whom he has surrendered everything to. We will stand back and watch him put to death. We will reflect on him as the Suffering Servant - who comes alongside us in our pain with understanding and empathy but also with the power to transform it. Jesus enters into the brokenness of this world to bring about healing. He enters death to bring about resurrection life. And he enters into our lives, which sometimes are full of anguish, and speaks words of peace. Peace that goes beyond circumstance.
Whatever the vote means for us, for those whom we love and for those whom we minister to, we can draw near today to the One who draws near to us. He has compassion for us. He is gracious and abounds in love and faithfulness. He comforts us with a comfort we can share with others. And as we make preparations for Holy Week, may we allow the events which unfolded then to touch us deeply and inform our understanding of the God we serve.
Rev Stella
