Gozo Bishop Mario Grech has spoken of ‘empty vessels’ in politics, journalism and the Church which are reflecting an erosion of values, a dearth of ideals, a lack of vision, and a deficit of ethics.

Delivering a homily during the feast of Our Lady Ta Pinu yesterday, he said it should be of concern to society that it was witnessing an ‘existential void’ which was being reflected in personal life, the family and society.

An effect of this existential void were pessimism and frustration.

He said that politics was a noble art and society should give due recognition to politicians. But sometimes, the messages and examples set by some politicians showed a lack of high ideals which should be an inspiration to the people. Some legislative proposals regarding human life, marriage, the family and social justice confirmed this void.

The void of values was also being held among some who worked in journalism. Journalism could be very useful but sometimes the media was used to spread rumours, sow division, manipulate mind and character assassination. This too created an existential void.

There were also empty vessels in the Church. The authentic Catholic gave his contribution for a more humane society, but this was not reflected when the people of the Church were filled with ‘trash’ instead of with Christ and His teaching.

Tradition and celebrations on their own did not guarantee evangelical and human content, he said. Chris,t Mgr Grech said, as the truth which life made sense.