The Labour Party’s victory in the general election augurs well not only for the smooth democractic running of the country but also because it was a decisive step towards recognising that we Maltese are, before everything else, brothers and sisters to one another. What unites us is far greater than what actually seems to divide us.
Who are the lepers in Maltese society today?
The latter statement is pivotal and pervades these reflections. My thoughts are propelled neither by a desire to generate political propaganda for Joseph Muscat, nor to belittle Lawrence Gonzi’s sterling work for our nation’s progress and stability.
Both political leaders’ intentions and actions were driven by Malta’s national interest. Both have Malta’s wellbeing at their heart. Nevertheless, as a Maltese citizen and a Fransciscan Catholic priest, I consider it important to advocate national fraternity. Malta is strong when it is united as one closely-knit family.
St Francis of Assisi can be regarded as the Universal Brother, since he saw himself as a brother to everyone and everything. His fraternal approach to life transformed him into the humble and little brother he was.
Francis lovingly embraced all people to his heart, most notably the poor and those who were sidelined on the fringes of society. He is quoted as saying: “We are called to heal wounds, unite what has fallen apart and bring home those who have lost their way.”
He lived this conviction to the letter. In fact, by letting himself being deeply attracted to and profoundly inflamed by his love for the Crucified Lord, Francis generously dedicated his humble and simple life for the cause of peace and reconciliation in the Church and in the world. He did this not merely by attracting the favour of the powerful but principally by uniting himself with the poor and weak.
The latter were his true main educators at the school of communion and integral progress of the human person.
I find this marvellous and healing attitude boldly printed at the beginning of his splendidly written remembrance concerning his conversion called the Testament. In the opening verses of this spiritual personal document, a writing he dictated before his death in October 1226, the saint said:
“The Lord granted me, Brother Francis, to begin to do penance in this way: While I was in sin, it seemed very bitter to me to see lepers. And the Lord Himself led me among them and I had mercy upon them. And when I left them that which seemed bitter to me was changed into sweetness of soul and body; and afterward I lingered a little and left the world”.
Such an inspiring quote should lead honest and truth-seeking Maltese citizens to ask genuinely and conscientiously the million-dollar question: Who are the lepers in Maltese society today?
Some may think they are people who are financially poor. In this regard our bishops’ pastoral letter before the general election is enlightening:
“The poor and those who suffer are always present. As bishops, we wish to express our appreciation for all the efforts which are constantly being done in order that poverty may be reduced and suffering alleviated in Maltese society.
“Every person will be judged by God for the way he looked after the poor and the needy. In the process of economic progress, every endeavour should be made for any resources to be distributed fairly, and for the working conditions to undergo constant improvement.”
But others may come up with a different answer to the above-mentioned question. The lepers could be our political opponents. We all know that this reply hits the nail on its head.
If so, why not put into practice St Francis’ prayerful appeal: “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon.”
Could this not be a formidable manner of living fraternally as one Maltese family?
frmarioa@gmail.com
Fr Attard is a member of the Order of Franciscan Capuchins.