The Gozo Bishop recently delivered a homily in which he called out the race to riches.

He underlined what he would prefer to see in today’s society. He would prefer seeing less beautiful houses, but ones filled with stronger families, with better relationships and more love. He wishes to see people with less property, but with less fighting among heirs, less fighting among siblings. He also expressed his wish to see more housing for youths, highlighting the property price situation in the country. "What a paradox. Gozo is filled with buildings, but a youth has to sweat blood to find a place to live, and must pay off debt for at least 30 to 40 years."

"How I wish to see village feasts that are less grand, but at the same time, people who are more content, youths not distracted by alcohol or drugs." "How I wish to see people less rich, but people who are interested in the needs of those who are suffering."

Now obviously this is not to say that people with beautiful houses do not have strong family bonds for instance, but it reflects his wish to see a better society than we have today.

It was a reflection of what Maltese society has become. Its a call to take a look in the mirror.

The Bishop’s ideals perhaps reflect a Malta that once was, but now the country has become too materialistic.

How obsessed are we with having the latest tech - A better phone, a better laptop.... but do we spend less with each other?

How willing are we to allow a family remain in their apartment, even though they cannot pay more rent than they already do?  How willing are we not to build a block of apartments in an area not suited for it, even though planning laws allow it?

How welcoming have we been to third country nationals who are just trying to get by? Have we made efforts to welcome them into our society, or are we just treating them like labour statistics?

The Bishop’s homily makes us wonder whether we have lost our way, but there are other aspects we should reflect on also.

The Maltese pride themselves on having open hearts every Christmas, when the major fundraisers like L-Istrina come around, but when it passes, how many actually do more to help those in need? How many people volunteer, or raise money for charity? How many of us actively try to help our neighbours, if there is no personal gain?

How many are willing to committing wrongful acts which do affect others, such as taking disability benefits when not entitled, or skipping the queue for a driving test just because they know someone? How many are willing to call up a politician or a government customer care official to try gain an advantage, when others are putting in the hard work to succeed? How many are willing to close a blind eye to wrongdoing, just because it was committed by someone from a political party they favour?

We need to be better, help others, and push for what is right and good.