Reflection is an integral part of a nation’s and individual’s learning process. It allows us to learn more about ourselves in improving our situation holistically (materially, spiritually and mentally) as we identify mistakes and correct them.  This feature gives a bird’s eye perspective of the current tribulation Malta is facing and how we should be encouraged to strive forward in defeating together this threat.

Many conspiracy theories are going round that this virus was genetically engineered and that there is some hidden agenda going on by some world power or even by some individual letting out this virus as a means of biological warfare.

Irrespective of how this virus came to be, the facts are what they are; we are facing a dangerous health problem worldwide and what is the most important now, is how to combat the virus.

It would be most appropriate in these ominous and extraordinary circumstances to ponder on the consequences both good and evil that moments like these present.

Mobilisation in action

It is evidently clear that the perilous times we live in have warranted certain measures where the forces of law and order of the country have been mobilised to protect the citizens from the infectious disease we are facing.

The events of the last weeks have mobilised every sector of the Maltese civil defence organisation. We should be proud and thank all our entities that have come out with flying colours in putting our mind at rest and calmly reassure us of the situation.

Not only the chief Medical officer, Prof. Charmaine Gauci deserves this great merit but all the other agencies: civil protection department, fire brigade, the Police Force, Transport Malta, Ambulances, Red Cross, St John’s Ambulance Brigade, local wardens, nursing and paramedic staff. The list goes on and on and it would be impossible to name everyone.

The containment of the virus is taking place and it is now important to maintain and continue to lift the morale of the people. 

During Second World War Malta, many people sought to remain in the shelter cubicles even when there was no air attack taking place. The authorities of the time encouraged the people to come out of their “shell” for fresh air, exercise and sunlight as this was conducive to lifting up morale and sustaining the health of the people. May we not, God forbid, arrive at a situation where we have to stay indoors in a form of “house arrest”. This can take place, as is the case in neighbouring Italy and other countries where a complete “shut down” or “lock down” has been ordered.

A Christian perspective

From a purely Christian standpoint, the situation brings to mind the prophetic warnings of the end times where the world inevitably has to face the threat of the pale horse of pestilence and death.

Indeed the magnitude of the Covid-19 is of apocalyptic proportions and it would be wise to take a spiritual check-up of the spiritual state of the person. Are we putting our hope in materialistic hoarding of treasures or are we thinking of what lies ahead in eternity. Jesus’ words are clear; do not hoard material treasures but rather spiritual ones.

Matthew 6:19-21-24

“Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or − worse! − stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars.

We live in an existentialist society which encourages individualism and utilitarianism. This virus has vividly uncovered our inadequacy as individuals. We need social contact and interaction. Only as a team can the human race survive. Nations need to co-operate not only when they are faced with emergency, urgency and crisis situations but even when life is “normal”.

The name, Corona virus is very suggestive in that Corona means crown. A virus with a crown seems to rule ok but our ruler as Christians is the King of Kings, who is above all viruses and diseases. Let us turn to Christ who can heal our body, hearts, minds and our land.

Our country depends on the health authorities’ expert advice and we should pray that all our authorities, both religious and political, heed to their advice. We are commended as Christians to obey and pray for our political and religious authorities, even if we do not agree with them due to partisan reasons.  Of course, we are not bound to obey laws that run counter to God’s laws.

Positive consequences?

By no way should a virus make us reflect on what we usually take for granted. But this virus paradoxically and ironically can help to become wiser in that it has revealed that when a country gradually shuts down, it becomes cleaner in many ways. The air quality improves, noise pollution levels decrease and the population has more quality and quantity time. Should we thank “Miss Corona” for this? Surely not, but we have so many simple things that we should be grateful for and which many times go unnoticed due to the rat-race and materialistic lifestyle.

Indeed, Malta has not rested in the last three years; murders, corruption scandals and the property collapses due to developments culminating with the death of an innocent mother in her home. This virus can pinpoint clearly where we are going wrong, socially, morally, economically, spiritually and so on.

Malta’s pre-destiny

Malta, through the centuries, has withstood the test of time. We have had plagues, cholera and the Spanish flu visiting the islands during times when medical technology was in its infancy and unheard of. Still we emerged victorious.

Since the time of the Phoenicians, Malta harboured vessels from storms due to its protective harbours and they named Malta, Melita which precisely means to “shelter”. Over time, Malta welcomed in its midst the Apostle Paul and showed our hospitality to him and the rest of the shipwrecked crew members. Paul healed the sick for the three months he remained here with Luke, the other Apostle. He even healed the Roman Governor of the island.

It is clear that our islands have been anointed with a special healing mission over the centuries as Malta welcomed the thousands of sick and wounded soldiers from the Crimean War (1853-56) and those arriving mainly from the First World War battlefields of Gallipoli (1914-1918).

The Knights Hospitallers followed suit in this mission and in the present day, we have, in our midst thousands of people who have found refuge on this merciful and hospitable island.  We are indeed a strong nation, small but beautiful, and a hard nut to crack.

Our situation is not as disastrous as it may seem. Malta’s track record and credentials do us proud and are indeed encouraging and should raise our morale and motivate us to continue defeating the disease and any other evils that are trying to destroy all that is beautiful on these islands.