It does seem that with the passage of time many Maltese and Gozitans are becoming more conscious that from the ante-EU era, Malta has now definitely passed to the EU era.
There seems to be a change of mind and a clearer vision that, from the role of passive spectators behind the touchline, we have all to be very committed participants to create a new Malta and Gozo. Many are rapidly understanding that once we decide seriously to get involved we have to give a part of ourselves to face the challenges ahead.
We must show a more realistic approach as we have started a new chapter in the chequered history of our islands. Today, more than before, we either win our challenges together or lose them together. The days of the "Maltese gemgem" style has to be definitely put aside: the days of mere protesti have to make way for proposti.
Before anyone else, Government and Opposition have to set their inspiring example. Indeed, some politicians badly need a new insight. They have been elected to be the light of the nation and salt of the earth. This is no longer the time for inane talk and of vain promises. It has to be stressed, again and again, that politicians, social partners, trade unionists, media people in particular, have to show clearly that they possess sound principles which they put to good use, anywhere and anytime.
One has to note that there are quite a few self-appointed intellectuals who should get rid of their pernicious intellectual moral laziness. It is not heat and sound that make a politician, a trade unionist, a priest, a journalist: it is light that makes the man and woman a good leader who rightly deserves the confidence of his/her followers.
No wonder our local bishops have been making repeated appeals to the faithful and the clergy alike to embark meaningfully on a new style of evangelisation. If we decide to "give a soul to Europe" - as requested by Pope John Paul II himself - we have to give a soul to Malta itself.
For sure, we all have to experience a new type of evangelisation to work itself. We have to reflect that since so much of our life is devoted to work, it is very important for all to understand that all human work is not only sanctified but also sanctifying.
Whether we work in the House of Representatives, in Malta and abroad, at an office desk, in a factory, at home, on the land, at school, our work is always an act of love.
Perhaps it is opportune to quote a short reflection relevant to a subjective interpretation of attitudes at work:
¤ When I take a long time - I am slow.
¤ When my boss takes a long time - he is thorough.
¤ When I don't do it - I am lazy.
¤ When my boss doesn't do it - he is too busy.
¤ When I do something without being told - I am trying to be smart.
¤ When my boss does the same - that is initiative.