Jubilee

The Works of Mercy and Holy Week: Where`s the Link

11/04/2025

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Holy Week, the most meaningful eight days in the life of the Church, has finally arrived. Along with our (mine at least!) favourite traditions, the purċissjonijiet tal-Ġimgħa l-Kbira, the qagħaq tal-appostli and the mwejjed tal-Ġimgħa l-Kbira, this week also has a lot to say about how the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus transforms our world. Hear me out.

Love conquers all

Ever felt that the world out there is a scary place? You’re not alone. Literally. The graphic details we read in Jesus’s passion narrative remind us that he did not shy away from our suffering, even that which we afflict on one another, as our newsfeeds remind us.

Jesus showed his love for us in the most practical of ways by dying on the cross, destroying evil once and for all, by entering in solidarity with our suffering and by calling us to follow suit. When we visit an elderly person, or send a WhatsApp message to a friend who we know is passing through a tough patch, we give up something that is ours to share in the suffering of others, reminding them that they are not alone.

A little bit of love, even if expressed just as a smile (or a smiley) can go a long way.

Dare to engage emotionally

As you participate in the liturgy this Holy Week, notice what emotions the liturgy evokes in you.

Just observe, this Palm Sunday, in the long passion narrative from Luke (who was notoriously obsessed with Christ’s mercy) how Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane. He does not actively seek suffering and is even reluctant to accept it at first. He then begs the Father for the grace of patience, to be able to endure suffering when the time comes. Within the same narrative, notice also Jesus’s compassionate look upon Peter after his triple denial. Jesus’s whole life was nothing but a succession of works of mercy towards humankind.

If you will be volunteering in a soup kitchen one of these days or if you will be donating money to charity, make sure to engage emotionally too. Your act of generosity will allow that person to realise they are loved, while transforming you in the process. Otherwise, your efforts are, quite frankly, wasted.

“If you give alms without touching the reality, without looking into the eyes of the person in need,” pope Francis says, “those alms are for you, not for that person.”

Be there even for Judas

This is a tough one, true. But it is key. The Gospels we read on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week give us a glimpse into the turmoil in the hearts of the apostles, especially Judas.

He who had accepted Jesus’s call to follow him, and who witnessed him first-hand preaching, healing and casting out demons now couldn’t fathom for the life of him why a woman would waste a jar of precious perfume on Jesus instead of giving the money to the poor. The remaining eleven do not utter a word. It is ironic that soon after, he betrays his friend and master for thirty pieces of silver. Still, his friends do not suspect anything. Anyone mentioned poor communication? We know how Judas eventually ended up. And his friends? Crickets!

These first three days of Holy Week never fail to remind me of the importance of checking in with friends of mine. It is not time wasted. Lend an ear. If needed (only if needed) say a word of counsel or advice. Your friends will thank you.

A cardiac U-turn

Let us get this one straight: as Christians, we perform the acts of mercy not because we need more do-gooders (we have enough of those). Neither do we do it because the State is not reaching them (there are NGO’s for that). We engage in the Works of Mercy because Jesus himself told us: 

“the least you do to each of these little ones you did to me.”

On the cross we see Jesus hungry and thirsty, stripped of all dignity, an innocent prisoner, bruised and dying, and feeling forsaken even by – wait for it – his own Father. In practical terms, carrying out the works of mercy, as long as they are done not occasionally but as our second nature (remember: those on his right couldn’t even recall when they saw him in need and came to his aid) serve as an antidote for our vices. How about greed in the form of compulsive shopping on your favourite app? Or lust as in mindless scrolling? Or individualism as the classic kuntent-jien-kuntent-kulħadd syndrome? Think of the works of mercy as a kind of spiritual workout, strengthening the attitudes that are ours, as beloved sons and daughters of God, and which draw us to good choices — including political ones!

“This is the night,” we sing in the ancient hymn of the Exultet on Holy Saturday, “that even now, throughout the world, sets Christian believers apart from worldly vices and from the gloom of sin, leading them to grace and joining them to his holy ones.”

 

Planting hope, welcoming the resurrection

Practicing the works of mercy might begin with the cross but it does not end there. Within these works of mercy there are already the first rays, so to speak, of the Easter Sunday morning.

By practicing the works of mercy, we allow the Spirit of God – the very same spirit that raised Christ from the dead – to be at work in real time, in the world here and now. By dirtying their hands (metaphorically and literally) with the poor, the oppressed and the persecuted, we live in our own flesh and in our own heart the Passion of Christ.

Above all, when we believe that our efforts are not futile and that they will eventually bear fruit, we shine as authentic witnesses of hope and living signs of Christ’s resurrection.

 

Rev Charlo Calleja

Compassion in Action: The Strength of Standing with Others

09/04/2025

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Our lives can easily get lost in the mundane. If we’re fortunate, we wake up and head to school or work, rushing from one task to the next until we collapse into bed, exhausted, only to repeat the cycle again the next day. But this sense of monotony fades when I allow myself to truly encounter others, especially in my work.

My day job involves accompanying individuals; people battling illnesses, their caregivers, and those who are experiencing profound loss. In these encounters, I’ve witnessed first-hand the incredible strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of compassion. This work often requires less “doing” and more “being”. Being present with the person, with their pain, their fears, their doubts, and the complex emotions that come with loss, in whatever form it may take.

Beyond this, I also work with women in prostitution who face mistreatment and violence. Most of them lack basic necessities and above all, a sense of safety. Safety is more than just shelter, food, and clothing. It encompasses the intangible which includes a sense of self-worth, the love of family, the support of friends, and the power of education. Accompanying these women often starts with providing essential necessities, laying a foundation upon which they can begin to rebuild. Their journey may involve multiple “do-overs,” but each one is an opportunity to try again, to offer healing, hope, and the chance to move forward. Our mission is to be with them every step of the way, offering our presence and support.

Much of my work revolves around helping people find their voices and empowering them. Helping individuals find their voice is essential. Once people feel safe and secure in themselves and their surroundings, they can begin to share their stories. At times, they may not yet be in a position to advocate for themselves, so it becomes our responsibility, as those who accompany them and understand their realities, to be their voice. This is vital in order to bring about change. It’s a challenging process, requiring patience, persistence, and prayer. But it’s far better to try and struggle than to remain passive. Inaction is the true tragedy, not struggling and failing. We all have a responsibility to be present, to truly see those around us, and to encourage one another to speak up and advocate for those who cannot. We must strive to be better and do better.

Recently, I had a brief but moving experience in Rome, working in a soup kitchen over New Year’s. I was struck by the immense diversity of people I encountered. There were people of all ages, races, nationalities, backgrounds, and genders, gathered together under one roof, simply sharing a meal. It was a humbling reminder that, at our core, we are all the same, and every person deserves dignity.

On New Year’s Eve in Rome, we asked the attendees to write down messages of hope for 2025. One man, who had attended the soup kitchen but didn’t stay for the celebration, left a note on the table where he had sat. It simply read;

“Next year will be better”

This note served as a powerful reminder to hold on to hope, even when it feels like there’s nothing left. It also reminded me of why we keep doing what we do. When we’re tired, exhausted, and feeling defeated, it can be tempting to quit. But if there’s even a glimmer of hope, that’s where we can rediscover the strength to try again.

Day to day, I listen to countless stories, some that shatter my heart with sorrow, and others that fill it with overwhelming love. Love sustains us through our hardest moments, and though it aches for the things or people we’ve lost, it also strengthens us. Sitting with others in their struggles and joys changes you. If you remain open and willing, it will change you for the better. It teaches you what truly matters: being human with other humans, showing compassion, and loving relentlessly, even when it hurts.

My work has taught me that if my basic needs are being met, if I remember my worth and dignity, and if I’ve experienced love, I have a duty to share it. You don’t have to be directly engaged with clients in your work, as I am, to live by acts of mercy.

Love is not meant to be hoarded; it’s meant to be given freely. In sharing it, I’ve been rewarded abundantly. I’ve learned that when you give love, your heart grows fuller, your life becomes richer, and each day you wake up in gratitude for the gift of life.

Anne Farrugia

Small Acts, Big Impact: Reflections on Service

02/04/2025

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Every year, the Missionaries of Charity, with the help of a dedicated team of young volunteers, organise a three-week summer camp for children. It’s a chance for these children to enjoy activities like swimming, trips to Gozo and Splash and Fun, as well as creative projects such as arts and crafts.

A story that always inspires me is about the time the Missionaries of Charity asked Mother Teresa if they could reduce their prayer time to focus more on serving others. Her response? The more work they had, the more prayer they needed. This idea became very real to us during summer camp. With so much to plan, crafts, games, outings, it was easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet, no matter how hectic things got, the Sisters always called us to join them for adoration. That one hour of quiet gave us the chance to pause, reflect on the day, and pray for those around us. Over time, I found myself looking forward to it, and even after returning to my fast-paced life as an accountant, I carried that habit with me.

One moment that really stuck with me was meeting a 10-year-old boy who constantly pushed our patience to the limit. He swore, teased the other children, and made fun of everyone, including me. After multiple warnings and a time-out (which led to a dramatic meltdown), I was shocked when, later that week, he came up to me and apologised. He broke down, admitting that at home, he was always told he was doing everything wrong. On top of that, he was responsible for house chores and looking after his two-year-old sibling because his guardians couldn’t cope. For him, summer camp was the one place where he could just be a child—where he felt seen and loved. His words changed the way I saw things. Loving these children wasn’t always easy, but as Mother Teresa once said;

Love means to be willing to give until it hurts.

Another experience that left a lasting impact on me was volunteering in Kenya. For a year, we fundraised to hire local construction workers to build houses for families in need. I’ll never forget one family who lived in a tin house barely bigger than a fridge, with five people squeezed under the same tiny roof. We played a small part in building them a new home, sturdy, made of stone and wood, with enough space to breathe. Their joy was overwhelming.

What struck me most was their generosity. They had so little, yet when we finished, they offered us tea, the best they had to give. It reminded me that sometimes, the simplest gestures mean the most.

So, here’s my challenge to you: reach out to a family member or friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Just listen. In today’s world, loneliness is the new poverty, and even the smallest act of kindness can make a world of difference. By taking time to connect with others, we help build something greater than any house—true community and belonging.

Nicholas Ferry

Sowing Hope: The Power of Small Acts of Kindness

26/03/2025

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Maltese proverb, min jgħix bit-tama jmut bil- piena –He who lives on hope dies in sorrow. Maybe the apathy we see in certain realities around us is a reflection of this. But I prefer to look at the other side of hope because I believe that hope is what keeps the farmer going. If we take a closer look at nature, we realise that it holds hidden treasures, lessons about life itself. And if a Christian truly contemplates creation, they’ll see a prophecy in all of it, because a Christian is called to see beyond the surface. A farmer sows seeds, living each day with the hope that what he plants will sprout and grow. To him, that tiny seed carries a hidden prophecy, a promise of life in its fullness. And all of this happens without much noise:

“The seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.”

Mark 4:27

In the same way, our lives are built on the hope that what we sow will bloom into something life-giving. We look around us, and in our smallness, we reach out to those in need because we know that even the simplest act of kindness can fill someone else with hope to keep going. Hope and mercy are like two sides of the same coin. Just as there is no real hope without mercy, mercy that does not lead to hope is incomplete.

I often meet young people who don’t necessarily question God’s existence, but rather, they ask: “Where is God when so many people are suffering?” or “Where is He when I go through tough times and everything seems to be against me?” I don’t think anyone truly needs God unless He is near, close to us in our darkest moments. That’s why works of mercy are the most tangible way God draws near to show us that there is hope in whatever we are going through. Nothing is wasted, lost, or without meaning. And He does this through others, through those who feed us, clothe us, welcome us into their homes, or visit us when we are sick or imprisoned.

It’s no coincidence that in Hebrew, the words for hope and waiting are often used together. We see the same link in their shared Latin root. Every waiting period is filled with hope when we find someone who lights the way, someone who reminds us that in His kindness, God wants us to be accompanied.

In the same way, we too can be a source of hope for others through acts of mercy. The prophet Isaiah says:

“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear…” when “you share your food with the hungry, provide the poor wanderer with shelter, clothe the naked, and do not turn away from your own flesh and blood.”

Isaiah 58:7-8

The light in your life is this very hope, a hope that shines not just for those you help but also for you, the one extending a hand with love. Slowly, you begin to realise that in opening yourself to others, your own wounds begin to heal.

For a Christian, hope is never empty, precisely for this reason. Every act of mercy fills waiting times with meaning, it fills them with hope. Because in the kindness of those around me, I begin to taste eternity. Every act of mercy reminds me that life has meaning because it is lived together, with compassion for one another. This is how God remains close, He becomes even closer.

And so, hope in God, hope in what is beautiful, in what is good, in what lasts forever, remains alive. And in this way, every child, every young person, every person can live the present with a certain hope for a brighter future:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future filled with hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11

Rosemarie Schembri

How the Spiritual Works of Mercy are a Way to Bring Hope in the World

18/03/2025

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“In a world which, unfortunately, has been damaged by the virus of indifference, the works of mercy are the best antidote.”

Pope Francis

The Church also recognises other ways through which we can be merciful towards our neighbour. These are known as the spiritual works of mercy.

During the general audience captioned above, Pope Francis said that these spiritual works of mercy pertain to human needs which particularly touch the person’s soul, and which are often the cause of the greatest suffering. Tending to such needs, therefore, is like shining a blazing torch of hope that brings light to those suffering in darkness.

The seven spiritual works of mercy are:

 

Counselling the Doubtful

It is not uncommon for our friends or even close family to go through periods of doubt or even crisis in relation to their faith. They might encounter certain challenges to their beliefs which make them seriously question religion, perhaps becoming suspicious of its claims or even abandoning it altogether. One may experience troubles relating to work, finances, relationships or health and they might start to doubt whether God is truly there amidst their very real suffering. Whatever the reason or circumstance, it is a very real possibility to find ourselves in a position where such persons share their doubts with us. This calls for listening, compassion, empathy and walking with these persons. In order for this accompaniment to be authentic, this also calls for counsel – when and where prudent.

As Christians, we know that there is no better answer to life than God’s love for us. There is no greater good for human beings than their true flourishing in God. Therefore, by way of word and example, depending on our closeness to the doubtful person, any advice we give them should aim at lovingly orienting them to Jesus, our one true hope. Depending on the circumstances, one may respectfully suggest ways for the doubtful person to deepen and strengthen their faith, such as guiding them to an experienced spiritual director, inviting them to join a Catholic community or group offering good formation, or providing helpful Catholic resources.

Instructing the Ignorant

Sometimes, doubts and difficulties in a person’s walk of life are traceable to misconceptions, misunderstandings or outright lack of knowledge of the truth. We live in a world where many different noises are constantly clamouring for our attention, all of them claiming to hold the keys to our happiness, the solutions to our problems. However, there is only one eternal source of truth that is truly healing and truly life-giving. A person with a humble heart will seek after God’s truths. The Church is the bearer of these truths, and she passes them down to us in her teachings.

Unfortunately, her voice is often silenced by the competing loud noises of the world. If we ourselves have received the grace of a good Catholic instruction, then it would be a great act of mercy to share these teachings with those who still thirst for them. This can and should only be done in a spirit of great humility, whilst realising that certain truths are too beautiful to be kept unshared. It is a bold declaration of hope to announce that love conquers hate, that beauty triumphs over ugliness, that harmony prevails over disorder, and this is what we do when we share Christian truth with a world that does not know it.

Admonishing the Sinner

Jesus referred to himself as the Truth, the Way and the Life. His Church labours to share his saving truth with the world. However, evil tries to obscure the truth and to advance what is false instead. It is often the case, for example, that immoral and destructive behaviours or attitudes which lead us away from God (and therefore, away from life), are exalted as good and liberating, whilst holy things that lead us towards God, are portrayed as oppressive or outdated. This can mislead people into adopting sinful habits or lifestyles that keep them away from their authentic human flourishing. Sin enslaves with its lies. God frees with His truth. It is a liberating work of mercy to help those who have been taken captive by sin to return to freedom. If we truly love someone, we cannot approve of their sin. True love seeks the true good of the other person, even if it might mean having an uncomfortable conversation. Whilst we must always distinguish the sinner from the sin itself, it is sometimes healthy to respectfully caution and correct the person we love, especially if they persist in committing what Christ and His Church teach is evil. Jesus said that

“the truth will make you free” (Jn 8:32),

and proposing freedom from the slavery of sin can serve as a shining beacon of hope to those who are still in chains.

Comforting the Sorrowful

When people experience particularly difficult times, it is sometimes hard to find the right words to say to them. Think of serious illness, pain or loss. Nevertheless, we can comfort such persons in other ways. Our presence, our readiness to lend a hand or even simply being there and listening. Offering a shoulder to cry on, and letting them know that you are always a phone call away. Sending a message or writing a card to someone who is sorrowful or lonely can make a world of a difference. When the situation permits, words of consolation and encouragement can help a person look beyond the immediate darkness and hope for a better future. God does not want his children to despair but to be people of hope. Notwithstanding how dire a particular situation can be, He can work through us to bring this hope to those who need it most. After all, our hope in Him extends beyond our earthly limitations into the eternal.

Forgiving Injuries

Every time we pray the Our Father, we ask God to forgive our sins. This forgiveness is based on a condition:

“as we forgive those who trespass against us”. Jesus declares that if our neighbour wrongs us seven times in one day and says he is sorry seven times, then we should forgive him (Lk 17:3-4).

This means that if a person who committed an injustice against us repents, we cannot withhold our forgiveness. If the person is truly sorry, we must always be ready to forgive, and not bitterly hold on to resentment or hatred. No matter how badly or unfairly treated I may feel, I should always remember that Jesus Christ lovingly carried all my own personal sins on the cross. If He, the perfectly innocent Son of God chose to bear the burden of my sins and forgive me (perhaps even repeatedly), how can I, a sinner, fail to forgive another sinner like me? Human forgiveness reflects the sure hope we all have that God’s forgiveness is always ready to be freely extended to us, as long as we genuinely repent of our sins.

Bearing Wrongs Patiently

At times, we may be called not only to forgive a wrong, but also to patiently suffer wrongs for a duration of time. Perhaps this can be because someone in our lives has not repented of the wrong they are causing us. Perhaps they have not yet realised or understood that what they are doing is an injustice. They might still be going through a process of maturation and, in the meantime, they hurt us with careless words or actions. Whatever the case may be, we are called to avoid being bitter about wrongs done to us and to carry them as crosses in our daily lives, just like Jesus carried his cross to Calvary. This does not mean that we should not attempt to remedy injustices or even escape them where possible (especially if they are of a serious nature).

However, there are many instances where it is truly impossible to avoid the effects of injustices committed by others in our regard. In such cases we can either choose to live in constant anger and resentment, or else offer up our pain to the Lord, uniting our own suffering with Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. This will ultimately free us and allow us to experience an inner peace that only God can grant, notwithstanding the situation imposed upon us. Patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, so let us pray for His help. When we bear wrongs patiently, we offer the world a sign of hope: a sign that there is a reality that is far greater than anything we can gain, lose or suffer in this world.

Praying for the Living and the Dead

Prayer is a very powerful means of opening our hearts to others. When we pray for others, we are interceding for them before God, and asking Him to bestow His graces on them. God is moved by our love for others when we bring it before Him in prayer. Just as Our Lady and the Saints intercede for us in Heaven, we can also do this for others in a variety of ways, including through personal spontaneous prayer or by offering intentions in more structured prayers. One of the most powerful ways to do this is by requesting mass intentions. During the mass, the highest and most worthy offering is made to the Father – the willing sacrifice of His own Son. When we unite our intercessory prayers together with this holiest sacrifice, the spiritual graces that shower down from Heaven, are immense.

The dead who are in purgatory can also benefit from such intercessory prayers. Let us frequently remember those suffering souls and intercede for them when we can. It is also something beautiful to intercede for those souls, whose names are unknown to us, but who have nobody on earth who still remembers them. Such souls may very well eagerly intercede for us once they make it to Heaven. Knowing that both the living and the dead are united in praying for each other as one unbroken family is a special sign of Christian hope to a hopeless world. A hope that is more powerful than death itself.

Benjamin Emanuel Camilleri