Over the past sixth months or so I have become increasingly aware of the ugliness and darkness of sin, especially my own; the harm sin causes for the perpetrator and others. In some ways this has been a cross. I have also become more aware of God’s mercy and love for the sinner. I have also felt myself being more understanding and forgiving of others when they sin, even if grievously. I consider all of this to be the grace of God.

Ever since I was ordained a priest I have been struck by how sad it is that so many people don’t believe God loves them. A fault, some sin seems to be so grave they doubt God’s mercy could possibly include them. Nothing could be further from the truth. Don’t take my word for it, take what God has said and, more importantly, has done.

Today we celebrate our Chrism Mass on this beautiful Solemnity of the Annunciation when Mary is invited by God to be the mother of Jesus who is our Saviour. When Jesus took human flesh within the womb of Mary, St Matthew described him as Emmanuel - God with us, because Jesus is God and is now with us.

The coming of Jesus, the Son of God, into the world was monumental for humanity. Jesus came to fulfil God’s Will which was to save us. Through his perfect love on the Cross he forgave all sin and through his glorious resurrection he conquered the power of death and so enabled every sinner to share in God’s glory forever.

Yes, not merely forgiveness but complete transformation to share in God’s glory! God took on human nature to make us become like God. We have been created in the image and likeness of God although sin disfigures and even hides our true beauty. However, Jesus wants to restore us so that our image and likeness of God shines forth brightly. We are called to live the new life of Jesus making others aware of his presence.

This is a challenge because we are still weak. Mary was a true servant of God who said ‘Yes’ remaining utterly faithful and so was an instrument of God’s presence to others. We, on the other hand, weighed down by sin, convinced of our unworthiness or unimportance feel unable to say ‘Yes’. However, let us not forget that to many people Mary was dismissed as a nobody - young, poor, female yet she was chosen and empowered by God! The Angel Gabriel told Mary that nothing is impossible for God and so let us take confidence in that!

With this in mind I thank our priests and deacons for their daily  ‘Yes’ to God - especially when that ‘Yes’ is a struggle, a sacrifice; for then you brought to others the Lords mercy, healing and hope through your ministry: celebrating the Eucharist and other sacraments, your pastoral care and sharing who you are.

I thank our lay faithful for your ‘Yes’ to God - again especially when it was a struggle - through your ministries in the family, at work, in your parish and wider community. All of you together enrich our world when you say ‘Yes’ to God.

As we celebrate the Annunciation and Chrism Mass let us be comforted that God took on human flesh for the sake of the sinner, every sinner. Let us rejoice that he accompanies us in our weakness, transforming us to share in his glory. Let us remember that we are never alone: Emmanuel, God is always with us and let us through our acts of love, service and mercy bring the healing of God into the lives of others.

+Brian McGee
St Columba’s Cathedral, Oban
Wednesday 25^th March 2026