Archbishop Paul Cremona’s first pastoral letter, which is being read out at Masses this weekend, speaks about love, the love that God has for every being and the love that those who believe in Christ must spread around them.
If one were to compare this pastoral letter to those that came before it, the tone is far warmer and more direct. It is also more positive than negative and it continually tries to bring out the good that is in every human being.
Towards the end of his letter, the archbishop reminds the faithful that Lent and Easter are re-created every time a Christian changes something that is bad to something that is good.
He suggests certain actions that can be done by Catholics during Lent “so that our life will be a deeper witness to our belief in this mystery: that under every thing that seems like ‘death’ there is the seed of life ready to spring forth if anyone assumes the duty to sow it.
* This happens every time I change the void in me to moments of prayer or help to others,
* This is realised every time I change a temptation of infidelity in marriage to a greater love for my husband or wife; when I end a relationship of friendship that can endanger my family; every time I change the grumbling and lack of attention in marriage and my family to expressions of love and attention.
* This happens each time I change my sin to sorrow and forgiveness in God’s presence; every time that I change a word offensive to God to one of praise to him; every time I challenge that which is serving as an obstacle in my life and surroundings – excessive drink, gambling, drugs, infidelity – in a effort to search for help.
* This happens each time I change my intention to exploit workers or clients to one of respect; each time that I, a worker or client, do my duty with justice and honesty.
* This happens every time I change my anger, hate and suffering to forgiveness; every time I strive to put an end to every separation – in families, feasts, politics – and strive for reconciliation.
* This happens each time that I transform someone else’s poverty, every prejudice of race, or religion, or colour, to an occasion of helping others.
* This happens every time that I live my illness or suffering in union with the suffering Jesus and with others who suffer; that I allay the fear of death through the hope of eternal life.
Archbishop Cremona answers the question raised by the Apostle Paul: “Who are you, Lord? What do you want me to do, Lord?” with the reply given by the late Pope John Paul II when he visited Malta: the good news is that God loves humanity. He then comments that in a survey, 95 per cent of the Maltese said that they believe in God. Yet, he asks, “how many of these truly searched for and felt this Good News? Maybe some think that it is enough not to reject God and only turn to him when in need.”
He adds that God “still goes on loving me because he does not know how not to love. But God’s love will bear good fruit in us only when we receive it and it begins to effect a change in us. This is the true love in every relationship, even between married couples. In spite of my husband’s or wife’s love for me, what difference does it make to me if I then abuse this love?”
None of the limits – of sin, of distraction, even of his rejection – “will hinder God from loving me. We realise this because God continues to call me and run after me to get close to him.”
He adds: “No Christian will accept the whole Mystery of the love of God the Father as Jesus showed if he does not believe that God has Life Everlasting. If I ask God for help in material needs only, and not ask Him to show me the way of eternal life, I am accepting only one part of the beauty of the Good News of Jesus.”