“Help me to help you meet Jesus”. These simple and profound words were uttered by our new Archbishop, Mgr Charles Scicluna, when asked to deliver a final message to youths on Xarabank.

Summing up the gist of his commitment to the mission entrusted to him, he stressed the need of the participation of Christians – particularly youths – in evangelising the message of Jesus Christ.

Meeting Jesus means fewer questions on why the riches of our churches are not distributed to the poor because justice with the poor – in terms of material possessions – will be done when their governments do away with corruption and implement adequate policies.

Decorations in churches indicate that our religion is joyful and – as one can read in Westminster Abbey for instance – all the décor is the work of man in honour of God. Meeting Jesus means fewer questions on the mystery of suffering which incorporates natural consequences of our choices.

While supporting our neighbour in need Jesus helps us to experience even the value of the redemptive aspect of suffering which in turn is light when we go to Him (Matthew 11:27-30).

Meeting Jesus means finding truth and freedom – by reading His Word – to let Him take over our lives knowing that He will help us overcome our problems if we just let Him and if we do things His way.

Humbly accepting his overflowing love we can be witnesses of this great gift of faith.

Scicluna – the communicator for Christ par excellence – is well equipped to present an effective episcopate in this respect while proceeding with building on the firm foundations of his predecessors.

His natural personal com-munication style reflecting a contagious Christianity will make all the difference in his unique role to help more people – with a focus on Jesus – lead a joyfully, responsibly fulfilled life.