Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

December 1, 2013 will remain imprinted in my heart and mind forever. It is the day when, in Kiev, Gaia Cauchi, thanks to her brilliant performance, won the 2013 Junior Eurovision Song Contest. The 11-year-old Mġarr singer, superbly gifted by God with an infectious smile coupled with an outstanding voice, made me reflect on the beauty of singing.

The great American singer of soul music, Aretha Franklin, once said: “Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I’m using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use. I’m happy with that.” I am sure that the talented Gaia will follow Franklin’s advice. But does not our Christian faith urge us to use our talents fully?

Using my talents wisely means recognising God as their source! Saint Augustine writes: “For he who sings praise, does not only praise, but also praises joyfully; he who sings praise, not only sings, but also loves Him whom he is singing about/to/for. There is a praise-filled public proclamation in the praise of someone who is confessing/acknowledging (God), in the song of the lover (there is) love.”

Dear Gaia, while heartily congratulating you for the result you obtained for us Maltese, I humbly encourage you to use the brilliant voice God endowed you with to praise Him! I pray that the Lord uses your voice to draw many people to His loving and life-giving heart! May your winning song The Start be your debut in transmitting Jesus’ love for humanity through the gift He gave you to share with others. Well done Gaia!