In such a God fearing/respecting country as Malta, whose population faithfully attends Mass regularly, I would ask the following questions:

Would it not be prudent to seek God's unquestionable answers on such questions as hunting? He alone does not compromise with maybes. With God it is black or white. This is very uncomfortable, not only on the hunting issue, but also on all aspects of our daily lives.

I did not ask God when I was going to enter Planet Earth. I had no say whether I entered as a fish, bird, animal or any other form of life. Regardless of the formation of our entry it soon becomes evident that survival is our number one instinct.

We learn also that there is a freewill choice we can make between doing what's right or wrong. We also discover that doing what's wrong makes us feel very uncomfortable and doing what's right produces a healthy, good and peaceful inner awareness.

Where is all this leading to? God cannot tell me that what I am doing is right and neither can he tell another doing the same thing that they are wrong.

He can only bring one judgement - either it is right or wrong, i.e., no compromises as God is total Light and Truth.

This is rather an uncomfortable thought for me and perhaps for the reader too. When our journey comes to an end we will not be able to make any excuses for our life's actions and decisions. The response will be yes or no as James, Chapter 5 verse 12 enforces on us.

We all do our best to avoid accidents and illness, etc. However we can be caught up in others' evil actions e.g. terrorist activities, etc.

Finally, to sum it all up, I would urge all engaged in hunting controversies to, while attending Mass, take time to listen to what God may be saying regarding such a complex issue.