🕊️ From Doubt to Mission: 10 Ways to Bring the Risen Jesus into Family Life

 

When Jesus appeared to His disciples after the Resurrection, they were afraid, locked away, and unsure of what was next. But Jesus didn’t scold them. He entered their fear, spoke peace, showed them His wounds, and sent them with purpose.

Our families today often feel like those disciples — trying to hold it together behind closed doors, carrying worries, doubts, or wounds that aren’t visible from the outside. But the good news is this: Jesus still walks through our locked doors. He still breathes peace. And He still sends us out with love.

Here are 10 reflections for families, based on John 20:19–31, to help bring peace, healing, and mission into your home.

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1. 🕊️ Peace in the Home – How to Bring Jesus into Family Life

Jesus’ first words were: “Peace be with you.” Not correction. Not criticism. Just peace. We bring Jesus into our homes when we choose calm words, when we stop to pray before we speak, and when we forgive quickly. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit – and it starts with one person choosing stillness over stress.

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2. 🌧️ Faith After the Storm – Helping Each Other Believe Again

Life brings storms – sickness, job loss, struggles in school, or broken relationships. After every storm, we’re tempted to lose hope. But Resurrection reminds us that faith can rise again. Encourage one another. Don’t force faith, but gently speak life. Ask each other: “Where have you seen Jesus lately?”

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3. 💔 Scars that Speak – Healing Wounds as a Family

Jesus didn’t hide His wounds. He showed them. In our families, we all have scars – past hurts, disappointments, mistakes. Don’t bury them. Share stories of how God worked through those tough times. When we allow our scars to speak with grace, we create space for healing.

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4. ❓ When One of Us Doubts – Walking with a Family Member Who’s Struggling with Faith

Thomas doubted, but Jesus came just for him. If your spouse, child, or sibling is struggling with faith, don’t panic. Be patient. Be present. Keep loving without pressure. God knows how to meet them exactly where they are. Your calm faith can be the bridge they walk across.

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5. 🚪 Family Doors – What Are We Locking Jesus Out Of?

The disciples locked the doors out of fear. Sometimes we lock Jesus out too — from our finances, our emotions, our busy schedules. Take time to ask as a family: “What part of our life haven’t we invited Jesus into?” Then simply pray, “Jesus, we open that door to You.”

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6. 👶 Teaching Children to Believe Without Seeing

Jesus told Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Our children might not see Jesus with their eyes, but they can see Him in our love, our joy, and our everyday acts of faith. Make prayer natural, talk about God in car rides, and share your faith stories with them.

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7. ✨ Passing on the Peace – Making Our Home a Place of Blessing

Let your home be a place where people feel at ease, seen, and safe. Whether it’s with guests, neighbours, or your own children, ask: “Did they feel Christ’s peace here?” Play worship music. Pray together. Speak kindly. That’s how we pass on the peace.

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8. 🫂 Being Present Like Jesus – The Ministry of Simply Showing Up

Jesus didn’t send a message — He showed up in person. In a world full of distractions, your presence is powerful. Sit together. Eat together. Listen deeply. Jesus-like love often looks like being fully there.

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9. 🔥 Our Mission as a Family – Sent Together to Be Light

Jesus said, “As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.” Families aren’t just meant to survive — they’re meant to shine. What mission is God calling your family to? Maybe it’s being more generous, volunteering, encouraging other families, or simply praying together for others.

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10. ❓👦 From Thomas to Us – Helping Our Kids Ask Honest Questions About Faith

Thomas asked questions — and Jesus honoured them. Don’t be afraid of your child’s tough questions. Welcome them. Talk through them. Research together. Questions are often a sign of a growing faith, not a dying one. Help your kids see that faith is a journey, not a test.

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💬 Final Thought:

Your family doesn’t have to be perfect for Jesus to walk in. He enters our ordinary lives with peace and purpose. As we open the doors of our homes and hearts, may we all be transformed — from fear to fire, from doubt to mission.

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🙏 A Simple Family Prayer: Jesus, walk into our home. Speak Your peace over our hearts. Heal what’s wounded. Strengthen what’s weak. And send us, as a family, to be light in this world. Amen.

Ġesù qabad il-ħobż u newwilhulhom; u hekk ukoll għamel bil-ħut. Studju Bibbliku Ġw 21:1-19 - Qari tat-Tielet Ħadd tal-Għid

 

F’dak iż-żmien, Ġesù raġa’ deher lid-dixxipli ħdejn il-baħar ta’ Tiberija. Dehrilhom hekk: Xmun Pietru, Tumas, li jgħidulu t-Tewmi, Natanjel minn Kana tal-Galilija, ulied Żebedew u tnejn oħra mid-dixxipli tiegħu kienu flimkien. Xmun Pietru qalilhom: “Sejjer nistad”. Qalulu: “Ħa niġu miegħek aħna wkoll”. Marru, rikbu d-dgħajsa, u dak il-lejl ma qabdu xejn.

Filgħodu mas-sebħ, Ġesù kien qiegħed ix-xatt, imma d-dixxipli ma kinux jafu li kien Ġesù. Ġesù qalilhom: “Għandkom x’tieklu, ħbieb?”. “Le”, weġbuh. Qalilhom: “Waddbu x-xibka n-naħa tal-lemin tad-dgħajsa u ssibu”. Dawn waddbu x-xibka, u mbagħad ma felħux jiġbduha daqskemm qabdu ħut! Id-dixxiplu li kien iħobb Ġesù qal lil Pietru: “Il-Mulej dan!”. Għalhekk Xmun Pietru, kif sama’ li kien il-Mulej, xeħet fuqu l-libsa ta’ fuq, għax kien għoddu għeri, u ntafa’ l-baħar. Id-dixxipli l-oħra, billi ma kinux imbiegħda wisq mill-art, imma xi mitejn driegħ biss, resqu bid-dgħajsa jkaxkru warajhom ix-xibka bil-ħut.

Kif niżlu l-art, raw li kien hemm xi faħam jaqbad, bil-ħut fuqu, u xi ftit ħobż. Qalilhom Ġesù: “Newlu ’l hawn xi ħutiet minn dawk li għadkom kemm qbadtu”. Xmun Pietru tala’ fid-dgħajsa u ġibed l-art ix-xibka mimlija b’mija u tlieta u ħamsin ħuta kbira; u minkejja daqshekk ħut, ix-xibka ma nqasmitx. Qalilhom Ġesù: “Ejjew, kulu”. Imma ħadd mid-dixxipli ma ssogra jistaqsih: “Int min int?”, għax kienu jafu li kien il-Mulej. Ġesù resaq, qabad il-ħobż u newwilhulhom; u hekk ukoll għamel bil-ħut. Din kienet ġa t-tielet darba li Ġesù deher lid-dixxipli wara l-qawmien tiegħu mill-imwiet.

Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

Il-ġrajja tal-lum seħħet f’Tabga (minn Eptapegon=7 għejjun tal-ilma), fejn il-baħar ta’ Tiberija.  Importanti li ma niqfux biss fuq il-fatti storiċi imma li nieħdu t-tagħlim li dawn ituna.

(i) Għaliex id-dixxipli qishom raw l-Irxoxt l-ewwel darba?  

(b) Għax skantaw bil-qabda tal-ħut?  

(ċ) Għaliex Pietru u sħabu reġgħu lura ‘l Galilija jistadu wara li raw lil Ġesu’ rxoxt, qishom insew it-tliet snin li għaddew?  

It-tweġibiet jiħtieġ infittxuhom fil-fond u fid-dawl tal-lingwaġġ Bibliku.

“Ġesu’ reġa’ wera ruħu lid-dixxipli.”  Ġa rawh nhar il-Qawmien u ġimgħa wara meta kien hemm Tumas.  Dan ta bidu biex l-Insara jiltaqgħu ma’ Kristu Rxoxt kull nhar ta’ Ħadd u biex jaqsmu l-Ħobż bejniethom.  

Illum naraw li Ġesu’ ma deherx il-Ħadd u l-anqas f’kamra (simbolu ta’ Knisja) imma fuq il-baħar, waqt ix-xogħol tagħhom ta’ sajjieda.  Il-messaġġ hu li Kristu Rxoxt irid jiltaqa’ magħna fost il-ġimgħa wkoll – id-dar u fuq ix-xogħol. 

Ġwanni jsejjaħ l-Għadira ta’ Tiberija baħar għax dan, fil-moħħ semitiku, iqanqal immaġini ta’ xogħol iebes, diffikultajiet u riskju ta’ xi għarqa.  Dan hu xebħ ta’ kemm id-dixxipli se jkollhom jaqdfu kontra l-kurrent biex iwasslu l-messaġġ ta’ Kristu.  

Tiġbed il-ħut mill-ħalel tal-baħar għal fuq id-dgħajsa  jfisser issalva n-nies mill-vizzji li jkunu qed jgħarrquhom, u ddaħalhom lura fil-Komunita’. 

Din l-Għadira qabel kien jisimha “tal-Galilija” imma Erodi semmiha għal Tiberju biex jilgħaq lir-Rumani.  Ġwanni jagħżel dan l-isem biex juri kemm kienet kbira l-influwenza pagana f’dawk l-inħawi.  Anki llum ngħixu f’baħar ta’ paganiżmu. Għalhekk aħna d-dixxipli tal-lum imsejħin biex ma naqtgħux qalbna u nkomplu nevanġelizzaw il-Ħadd u fost il-ġimgħa, fil-Knisja, d-dar u fuq il-post tax-xogħol, spalla ma’ spalla ma’ Kristu Rxoxt.

Ġesu’ “dehrilhom hekk.”  Mhux huma lemħuh imma Hu deher lilhom.  Id-dixxipli kienu l-ewwel membri tal-Knisja Nisranija.  Pietru kien dak li sabha iebsa biex jaċċetta l-ideja tal-bniedem li jirnexxi skont il-kriterji ta’ Ġesu’, i.e. li jagħti ħajtu bħala rigal għall-oħrajn.  

Tumas (tewmi ma’ kull min jagħmel bħalu) sabha iebsa jgħix f’komunita’ u biex jemmen, għax ried provi xjentifiċi.  

Natanjel “taħt it-tina” jfisser li kien jistenna dik il-paċi mħabbra mill-profeti.  Hekk, b’qalbu safja, kif iltaqa’ ma’ Kristu, emmen.  

Ġwanni u Ġakbu kienu l-fanatiċi li jaħsbu li huma biss jistgħu jagħmlu l-ġid.  Moħħhom biex jitolbu n-nar jaqa’ fuq il-midinbin.  

Dawn kollha huma karattri li nsibu bħalhom fil-Knisja llum.  Fuq id-dgħajsa kien hemm tnejn oħra li m’għandniex isimhom.  Dawk l-Insara li ma jixbhux l-ewwel ħamsa aktarx jixbhu lill-aħħar tnejn.  F’did-Dgħajsa hemm post għal kulħadd, għal kull min jixtieq jipprova jwettaq id-dinja l-ġdida kif fassalha Kristu.  

“Sejjer nistad.”  Pietru ma jordnax, imma l-eżempju tiegħu ikaxkar l-oħrajn miegħu: “Itimgħu l-merħliet fdati f’idejkom u ndukrawhom, mhux fuq qalbkom imma b’ġenerożita’, mhux tikkmandawhom imma tkunu ta’ mudell għalihom” (1 Pietru). 

Issa r-rakkont  jieħu forma ta’ parabbola:  L-ewwel stadu bil-lejl.  Mingħajr id-dawl, “is-sajda” ma tatx frott.  Il-ħidma bil-lejl issir min-nies li jsegwu l-kriterji tal-bnedmin.  Il-jum Lhudi kien jibda lejliet ma’ nżul ix-xemx.  Mela l-ewwel għandek lejl diżuman ta’ paganiżmu.  Mas-sebħ jitfaċċa d-dawl: “Min jemmen tassew, jaf kif għandu jilqa’ dan id-dawl ta’ ‘jum ġdid’” (S. Pawl).  

“Ġesu’ kien ix-xatt, wieqaf,” għax irxoxta u għax temm il-vjaġġ Tiegħu.  Imma ma jabbandunax lil min għadu jbaħħar u jitħabat għall-għixien. M’għarfuhx għax, għalkemm Hu baqa’ l-istess persuna, issa kien f’kundizzjoni differenti minn qabel.  

“Għandkom x’tieklu, ħbieb?” li jikkumplimenta dak li għandi diġa’?  Ġesu’ jsejħilhom ‘ħbieb’ biex juri l-imħabba u l-attenzjoni li kellu għal dawn il-“ħbieb tal-Għarus.”  Id-dixxiplu hu dejjem imsejjaħ biex jipprovdi “l-kontorni” għall-Ħobż Imqaddes. 

“Ma qbadna xejn.” Kemm-il darba jiġrilna li, minkejja l-impenn fil-ħidma pastorali, ma narawx frott.  U kemm sforzi biex neqirdu l-gwerer, il-ġuħ, eċċ?  Jekk dawn isiru bi kriterji umani u egoistiċi biss, ma jistgħux jirnexxu.  

Jiħtieġ nisimgħu il-Kelma li l-Mulej ħallielna: “Waddbu x-xibka n-naħa tal-lemin.”  Il-lemin hi n-naħa t-tajba tal-bniedem.  Din tgħin lid-dixxiplu joħroġ lil ħuh mill-vizzji bil-ħlewwa, bil-kelma t-tajba u bl-imħabba. Hekk jurih it-tajjeb li hemm fih. Bil-kundanni, bl-għajjat u bl-insulti ma jasal imkien.

“Il-Mulej dan.”  Dan id-dixxiplu bla isem hu kull min li, fost l-ilħna li jisma’ kuljum (min jgħajjat l-iktar) jaf jagħraf dak tal-Mulej. Imbagħad jindika lill-oħrajn kif jagħrfuh.  

“Pietru xeħet fuqu l-libsa.”  Il-verb “libes” użat hawn hu l-istess bħal meta Ġesu’ libes il-fardal.  Pietru mela qed jgħid: “ Mhux se nirrifjuta l-fardal kif għamilt fl-Aħħar Ċena, imma issa lest biex naqdi.”  “Intefa’ l-baħar” biex jindika li jrid jibda bil-Magħmudija.  Min jogħdos fl-ilma jgħarraq l-egoiżmu u l-vizzju tiegħu, u joħroġ mill-ilma liebes l-imħabba altruista u l-virtuijiet kollha: “Ilbsu lil Kristu” (Rum).  Kull min jiltaqa’ ma dan id-dixxiplu eżemplari  se jagħraf lil Kristu.

“Id-dixxipli l-oħra resqu bid-dgħajsa”.  Għalkemm żgħira din għandha missjoni kbira, għax din hi l-Knisja li n-nies li qegħdin  f’sitwazzjoni ta’ mewt ittellagħhom għal ħajja.  Waslu l-art u sabu faħam, ħut (iktus – Ġesu Kristu Iben Alla Salvatur), u ħobż (Kristu magħmul ikel għall-bnedmin).  

“Ġibuli l-ħut”.  Pietru jġiblu ħut mid-dgħajsa. Dan ifisser li s-suċċess tal-missjoni tad-dixxipli  jseħħ meta jsalvaw l-umanita’ kollha (153=numru li juri totalita’) mit-telfien u jeħduha għand Kristu. 

Is-silta tispiċċa f’kuntest Ewkaristiku: “Qabad il-ħobż u newwilulhom”, għax is-suċċes li semmejna ma jistax iseħħ mingħajr l-Ewkaristija.

Pope Francis in Hospital wrote this:

“The walls of hospitals have heard more honest prayers than churches...

They have witnessed far more sincere kisses than those in airports...

It is in hospitals that you see a homophobe being saved by a gay doctor.

A privileged doctor saving the life of a beggar...

In intensive care, you see a Jew taking care of a racist...

A police officer and a prisoner in the same room receiving the same care...

A wealthy patient waiting for a liver transplant, ready to receive the organ from a poor donor...

It is in these moments, when the hospital touches the wounds of people, that different worlds intersect according to a divine design. And in this communion of destinies, we realize that alone, we are nothing.

The absolute truth of people, most of the time, only reveals itself in moments of pain or in the real threat of an irreversible loss.

A hospital is a place where human beings remove their masks and show themselves as they truly are, in their purest essence.

This life will pass quickly, so do not waste it fighting with people.

Do not criticize your body too much.

Do not complain excessively.

Do not lose sleep over bills.

Make sure to hug your loved ones.

Do not worry too much about keeping the house spotless.

Material goods must be earned by each person—do not dedicate yourself to accumulating an inheritance.

You are waiting for too much: Christmas, Friday, next year, when you have money, when love arrives, when everything is perfect...

Listen, perfection does not exist.

A human being cannot attain it because we are simply not made to be fulfilled here.

Here, we are given an opportunity to learn.

So, make the most of this trial of life—and do it now.

Respect yourself, respect others. Walk your own path, and let go of the path others have chosen for you.

Respect: do not comment, do not judge, do not interfere.

Love more, forgive more, embrace more, live more intensely!

And leave the rest in the hands of the Creator.”

—Pope Francis

Pope Francis: A Life of Humility, Compassion, and Reform

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is one of the most influential and beloved religious leaders of our time. Known for his humility, progressive views, and dedication to social justice, he has redefined the role of the papacy in the modern world. From his humble beginnings in Argentina to becoming the first pope from the Americas, his life is a testament to faith, service, and radical love.

Early Life and Calling

Born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Jorge Bergoglio was the son of Italian immigrants. He initially studied chemistry and worked as a laboratory technician before feeling a divine calling to the priesthood.

At 21, he survived a severe pneumonia infection, which he later saw as a sign from God. He joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969. Known for his intellectual rigor and pastoral heart, he rose through the ranks, becoming Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and a Cardinal in 2001.

Becoming Pope: A Historic Moment

On March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Bergoglio was elected the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the poor.

His election was historic:
✔ First Jesuit pope
✔ First pope from the Americas
✔ First non-European pope in over 1,200 years

From the start, he broke tradition—choosing to live in a simple Vatican guesthouse instead of the grand papal apartments, emphasizing humility and service.

Key Teachings and Reforms

Pope Francis has been a transformative figure, advocating for:

1. Social Justice & the Poor

• "A poor Church for the poor" – He prioritized helping refugees, the homeless, and marginalized communities.

• Criticized unchecked capitalism and called for economic fairness.

• Washed the feet of prisoners, including women and Muslims, breaking tradition.

2. Environmental Stewardship

• Published Laudato Si’ (2015), a groundbreaking encyclical on climate change, urging global action.

• Called environmental destruction a "sin against God."

3. Church Reform & Inclusivity

• Addressed clerical abuse scandals, demanding accountability.

• Promoted mercy over rigidity, allowing easier annulments and a more welcoming stance toward LGBTQ+ individuals (while upholding doctrine).

• Encouraged interfaith dialogue, embracing Muslims, Jews, and other Christians.

4. Peace & Global Diplomacy

• Mediated U.S.-Cuba relations, helping restore diplomatic ties.

• Advocated for peace in war-torn regions like Syria and Ukraine.

Controversies & Challenges

Despite his popularity, Pope Francis has faced criticism:

• Traditionalists oppose his progressive reforms.

• Conservatives resist his openness on social issues.

• Abuse scandals continue to challenge the Church’s credibility.

Yet, he remains committed to transparency and reform.

Legacy & Impact

Pope Francis has redefined the papacy by:
✅ Humanizing the Church – Riding buses, embracing the sick, and rejecting extravagance.
✅ Bridging Divides – Engaging with atheists, scientists, and leaders of all faiths.
✅ Inspiring Millions – His humility and boldness make faith relatable in a modern world.

Conclusion: A Pope for the People

Pope Francis is more than a religious leader—he is a global moral voice. Whether through his environmental advocacy, outreach to the poor, or calls for peace, he challenges us to live with compassion, courage, and conscience.

As he continues his mission, one thing is clear: Pope Francis will be remembered as one of history’s most transformative popes.

Kristu kellu jqum mill-imwiet - Studju Bibbliku Ġw 20:1-9 - l-Għid il-Kbir tal-Qawmien tal-Mulej mill-Imwiet

Kien l-ewwel jum tal-ġimgħa, filgħodu kmieni kif kien għadu d-dlam, u Marija ta’ Magdala ġiet ħdejn il-qabar u rat il-blata mneħħija mill-qabar. Għalhekk telqet tiġri għand Xmun Pietru u għand id-dixxiplu l-ieħor li kien iħobb Ġesù, u qaltilhom: “Qalgħu lill-Mulej mill-qabar, u ma nafux fejn qegħduh!”.

Pietru u d-dixxiplu l-ieħor ħarġu u ġew ħdejn il-qabar. It-tnejn ġrew flimkien, imma d-dixxiplu l-ieħor ħaffef aktar minn Pietru u laħaq qablu ħdejn il-qabar. Tbaxxa, u ra l-faxex tal-għażel imqiegħda hemm, iżda ma daħalx. Imbagħad wasal warajh Xmun Pietru, daħal fil-qabar, u ra l-faxex tal-għażel imqiegħda hemm, u l-maktur li kien madwar rasu; dan ma kienx mal-faxex, imma mitwi u mqiegħed f’post għalih. Imbagħad id-dixxiplu l-ieħor, li kien wasal l-ewwel ħdejn il-qabar, daħal hu wkoll, ra, u emmen.

Sa dakinhar kienu għadhom ma fehmux l-Iskrittura li tgħid li kellu jqum mill-imwiet.

Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

Ġużeppi minn Arimatija u Nikodemu dilku l-ġisem ta’ Ġesu’ bi ħwawar ifuħu. Keffnuh u poġġewh f’qabar fejn ħadd qabel ma kien indifen. Wara marru d-dar għax kien il-vġili tal-Għid tagħhom u għalhekk kellhom jagħmlu l-ikla tal-ħaruf.  F’ħafna kulturi, anki dawk mhux Insara, insibu li l-qraba jippreparaw b’ħafna kura il-ġisem ta’ xi ħadd għażiż għad-difna. Dan juri li għandhom tama ta’ ħajja oħra wara l-mewt.  Barra l-ilbies li se jkeffnuna fihom, aħna se jkollna ilbies ieħor – l-għemejjel tajbin kollha li nkunu għamilna u li bihom se nippreżentaw irwieħna quddiem il-Mulej. 

Is-Sibt kien jum ta’ mistrieħ.  Dawk li kienu jħobbu lil Ġesu’ żgur li għaddewh fis-skiet.  Minn moħħhom għaddew ħafna ħsibijiet: “Mhux suppost li Ġesu’ kellu jispiċċa hekk.  Għaliex Alla ma ndaħalx biex jeħilsu?”

Il-Ħadd kien l-ewwel jum tal-ġimgħa.  L-ewwel li tissemma’ hi Marija Maddalena.  Qabel ma sebaħ ġiet ħdejn il-qabar. (Dil-kelma ‘qabar’ tidher seba’ darbiet f’dis-silta).  Ma setgħetx taċċetta li Ġesu’ li kienet tant tħobb huwa mejjet.  Ma kienx hemm tama aktar, imma ġiet hawn forsi ssib tweġiba għall-mistoqsijiet ta’ moħħha: “Għaliex ġara dan? Għaliex issa?”  

Marija tirrapreżenta dawk kollha li jħobbu ‘l Ġesu’ u jsaqsu l-istess mistoqsijiet fuq il-mewt ta’ Ġesu’ u fuq l-enigma tal-mewt in ġenerali.  Marija tasal hawn fid-dlam.  Illum jew għada kulħadd se jaqa’ vittma ta’ dan il-mostru li hi l-mewt.  Marija rat il-blata mneħħija u l-qabar vojt, u telqet tiġri tgħid lil Pietru u lid-dixxiplu l-ieħor.  

L-evanġelisti ma kellhomx dubju li l-ġebla kienet imgerrba u l-qabar kien vojt.  Kieku dan ma kienx veru u vvintawh huma, ma kinux jinvolvu nisa fil-ġrajja, għax ix-xhieda tagħhom ma kinitx tiswa.  

Ġesu’ kien qal: “Nidrob ir-ragħaj u l-merħla tixtered.” Hawn għandna l-Maddalena li bdiet terġa’ tiġbor in-nagħaġ flimkien.  Dil-mara, bħal waħda f’telfa ta’ mħabba għall-għarus tagħha, ma tistax taċċetta li Ġesu’ miet. Tibqa’ tfittex xi raġuni li jtiha sens.  Anki aħna, jekk tassew inħobbu ‘l Ġesu’, ma niddisprawx fil-qtigħ ta’ qalb u fid-dubji fuq il-fidi, imma nibqgħu nfittxuh sakemm insibuh.

Iż-żewġ dixxipli: Pietru u “d-dixxiplu l-ieħor” li jissemma’ seba’ darbiet f’San Ġwann, bla isem u dejjem jgħaddi lil Pietru.

(a) Kien qablu bħala dixxiplu tal-Battista ma’ Indri.  

(b) Fl-aħħar ċena l-uniku wieħed li għaraf min kien se jbiegħ lil Ġesu’. 

(ċ) Jidħol isegwi l-ġuri tas-Sinedriju, waqt li Pietru jiċħad lil Kristu u jaħrab. 

(d) Isegwi lil Kristu sa fuq il-Kalvarju.  

(e) U llum narawh jiġri ma’ Pietru sal-qabar u jasal qablu.  

Mitt sena wara l-mewt ta’ Ġwanni bin Żebedew, il-Knisja bdiet tagħrfu bħala “d-dixxiplu l-ieħor il-maħbub ta’ Ġesu’.” Imma fis-silta tal-lum, kull wieħed minna irid jidentifika ruħu ma’ dil-persuna, irid jimxi (jew jiġri) t-triq li mexa; isegwi ‘l Kristu f’kull pass ta’ ħajtu; u jfittex x’sar minn ħajjet Kristu wara li miet – Hu li hu l-awtur tal-ħajja u li xorta waħda ta ħajtu għalina. Kull wieħed minna hu “d-dixxiplu l-ieħor”.

Din il-ġirja miċ-ċenaklu sal-qabar ħadet li ż-żewġ dixxipli quddiem il-pretorju ta’ Pilatu.  Faċċata tal-pretorju kien hemm pjazza kbira fejn kienu jarmaw is-suq.  Waqt il-proċess ta’ Ġesu’, aktarx li l-Fariżej ġabru folla minn din il-pjazza biex jgħajtu:  “Sallbu”.   

“….laħaq qabel, tbaxxa u ra..”  Tbaxxa għax id-daħla kienet żgħira. Min iħobb, jinduna mill-ewwel, qabel l-oħrajn. Imma jieħu paċenzja bl-oħrajn li jieħdu ftit taż-żmien sa ma jaslu biex jaraw. Dan hu l-aspett tal-komunita’. 

Ra, mhux biss bl-għajnejn materjali, imma wkoll bil-fidi.  

Il-liżar kien ikun erba’ metri b’metru. Bih jgħattu wara u quddiem barra r-ras. Faxex kien ikun hemm biss madwar l-għonq, fil-ġnub u s-saqajn, i.e. mhux bħall-mummja Eġizzjana. 

Il-wiċċ kien jitgħatta b’maktur li jsejħulu sudarju, li kien iżomm il-ħalq magħluq.  Id-dixxiplu ra l-faxex madwar il-liżar kif kienu fid-difna. Biss issa mingħajr il-ġisem ta’ Ġesu’, qisu l-ġisem dab u sparixxa. 

Kieku dal-ġisem insteraq, kienu jeħduh bil-faxex b’kollox. U li kieku riedu jħolluhom, żgur ma setgħux jagħmluhom bil-galbu kif sabhom id-dixxiplu.  

Mela d-dixxiplu ra dan kollu, fehem li Alla ma abbandunax lil Ġesu’ fid-dlamijiet tal-mewt, “u emmen”.  Ġesu’ m’għamilx pass lura u ħa l-ħajja kif kienet qabel mewtu.  Daħal fis-sepulkru, żvojtja l-qabar u ħareġ lil hinn minn din il-ħajja materjali u għadda għall-ħajja glorjuża, il-ħajja tal-Missier Etern. 

Kulma ġara hawn, wieħed jista’ jarah biss bl-għajnjen tal-fidi.  Id-dixxiplu emmen.  Ma ppruvax jikkonvinċi lil Pietru. Ħallieh, u tah iċ-ċans biex jasal waħdu hu għall-istess konklużjoni.  Il-faxex biss mhux prova tal-Qawmien.  

Ħafna jaqraw dis-silta u ma jemmnux.  Il-mod ta’ kif wieħed iħares, bil-ħarsa ta’ min jemmen, twasslu għall-prova tal-Qawmien: “Imberkin dawk li jaraw.”  

Sa dak in-nhar, id-dixxipli kienu għadhom ma fehmux l-Iskrittura li tgħid li kellu jqum mill-imwiet.  Dan il-Għid, ejjew nirriflettu fuq dan id-Dawl li ngħatalna.  Noqgħodu attenti biex ikollna qalb u moħħ sensittivi biex nilqgħu dan id-dawl li jagħti sens lil kull fażi ta’ ħajjitna: il-ferħ, in-niket, it-tamiet, id-diżappunti, il-ħbiberija, l-imħabba. 

Tmint ijiem wara ġie Ġesù - Studju Bibblikku Ġw 20:19-31 - It-Tieni Ħadd tal-Għid

 

Dakinhar filgħaxija, fl-ewwel jum tal-ġimgħa, meta d-dixxipli kienu flimkien imbeżżgħa mil-Lhud, bil-bibien magħluqa, ġie Ġesù u qagħad f’nofshom; u qalilhom: “Is-sliem għalikom!”. Kif qal hekk, uriehom idejh u ġenbu. Id-dixxipli ferħu meta raw lill-Mulej. Imbagħad Ġesù tenna jgħidilhom: “Is-sliem għalikom! Kif il-Missier bagħat lili, hekk jien nibgħat lilkom”. Kif qal hekk, nefaħ fuqhom u qalilhom: “Ħudu l-Ispirtu s-Santu. Dawk li taħfrulhom dnubiethom ikunu maħfura, u dawk li żżommuhomlhom ikunu miżmuma”.

Tumas, wieħed mit-Tnax, jgħidulu t-Tewmi, ma kienx magħhom meta ġie Ġesù. Għalhekk id-dixxipli l-oħra qalulu: “Rajna lill-Mulej”. Iżda hu qalilhom: “Jekk ma narax f’idejh il-marka tal-imsiemer u ma nqigħedx sebgħi fuq il-marka tal-imsiemer u idi fuq ġenbu, jien ma nemminx”. Tmint ijiem wara, id-dixxipli reġgħu kienu ġewwa, u Tumas magħhom. Il-bibien kienu magħluqa, imma Ġesù daħal, qagħad f’nofshom, u qalilhom: “Is-sliem għalikom!”.

Imbagħad qal lil Tumas: “Ġib sebgħek hawn u ara jdejja, u ressaq idek u qegħedha fuq ġenbi; tkunx bniedem bla fidi, iżda emmen”. Wieġeb Tumas u qallu: “Mulej tiegħi u Alla tiegħi!”. Qallu Ġesù: “Emmint għax rajtni! Henjin dawk li ma rawx u emmnu”. Hemm ħafna sinjali oħra li Ġesù għamel quddiem id-dixxipli tiegħu u li mhumiex imniżżla f’dan il-ktieb. Iżda dawn inkitbu sabiex intom temmnu li Ġesù hu l-Messija l-Iben ta’ Alla, u biex bit-twemmin tagħkom ikollkom il-ħajja f’ismu.

Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

Fil-Vanġelu tal-lum naqraw meta Ġesu’ deher lill-Appostli: l-ewwel, dak in-nhar li rxoxta filgħaxija, u t-tieni, ġimgħa wara.  Fl-ewwel laqgħa għandna l-Appostli barra Tumas, magħluqin fiċ-ċenaklu, imbeżżgħin għax barra hemm il-Lhud li ma riedu jafu xejn fuq Ġesu’, u mhux għax kienu se jagħmlu għalihom. 

F’dil-fażi l-Appostli qed jirrappreżentaw xi membri tal-Knisja li, quddiem tant paganiżmu u nuqqas ta’ twemmin li hemm fid-dinja, jingħalqu fihom infushom.  Fil-fatt, ħafna mill-pagani għandhom l-għatx għall-Kelma t’Alla u qed jistennewha bil-ħerqa.  Imma l-Appostli jibqgħu maqfulin għax għadhom ma ltaqgħux ma’ Kristu rxoxt. 

Il-biża’ tagħmilna suspettużi, forsi aggressivi u fanatiċi.  Ma nibqgħux nirraġunaw, imma nistqarru b’vuċi għolja il-konvinzjonijiet reliġjużi tagħna.  B’hekk jieqaf id-djalogu, u min jismagħna jkollu dubju fuq il-verita’ li qed nistqarru.  Min hu konvint fil-fidi m’għandux għalfejn jgħajjat, imma jesponi l-prinċipji tiegħu bil-ħlewwa.  Il-ferħ f’wiċċu għandu jixhed għall-verita’. Dil-biża’ għamlet ħafna ħsara lill-Knisja, e.g. il-biża’ tax-xjenza fi żmien Galileo, l-emanċipazzjoni tal-mara, ir-rinnovament, eċċ.  Qatt m’għandu jkollna biża’ tal-verita’.

Qalb dil-biża’ ġie (mhux dehrilhom) Ġesu’ u qagħad f’nofshom.  Issa Ġesu’ m’għadux bil-ġisem ta’ qabel, limitat bħal kull bniedem ieħor, suġġett għall-bard, sħana, irjiħat.  Issa Ġesu’ għandu ġisem glorjuż u bla limiti.  Il-preżenza tiegħu hija possibbli kemm fil-komunita’ ta’ dawn l-għaxar appostli u kemm f’kull komunita’ fid-dinja.  Aħna għandna nkunu dejjem konxji ta’ din il-preżenza biex ma ninħakmux mill-biża’.  Ġesu’ jurihom idejh u l-kustat.  

Hawn min jaħseb li dawn kienu ħwejjeġ koroh u ta’ min jinsihom.  Minn flok, dawn isiru l-identita’ ta’ Ġesu’.  Idejn Ġesu’ huma idejn Alla, li qatt ma jużahom biex jikkastiga.  Biżżejjed naraw il-ħolqien.  Imbagħad idejn Ġesu’ m’għamlux ħlief ġid: ifejqu,  jiġbdu ‘l Pietru mill-għarqa, ibierku, eċċ.  Mill-kustat ħareġ demm, sinjal tal-ħajja, u ilma – l-ilma tal-ħajja li fuqha Ġesu’ kellem lis-Samaritana.

L-Appostli ferħu meta raw lil Ġesu’.  Ikollu ferħ ġenwin min jiltaqa’ ma’ Kristu rxoxt, min fehem li l-għotja tal-ħajja ma titħassar qatt, imma tibqa’ għal dejjem f’idejn il-Missier Etern.  Mill-banda l-oħra, id-dwejjaq jiġu meta l-għotja tal-ħajja titqies bħala falliment.

Ġesu’ nefaħ fuqhom, i.e. tahom l-Ispirtu Qaddis bl-imħabba kollha tiegħu u huma imtlew b’dan l-Ispirtu Qaddis.  Dan in-nifs li nefaħ Ġesu’ huwa simbolu tal-forza Divina li wasslet lil Ġesu’ biex jagħti ħajtu.  

Issa dil-forza qed jgħaddiha lid-dixxipli hu u jibagħthom fid-dinja: “Kif il-Missier bagħat lili hekk jien nibgħat lilkom. Hemm bżonn li toħorġu minn hawn biex tmorru taħfru d-dnubiet, avolja se tkunu qiskom nagħaġ qalb l-ilpup.”  

Hawn Ġesu’ mhux qed jirreferi għall-qassisin biss fil-Qrar.  Kull Nisrani għandu d-dmir li meta jiltaqa’ ma’ ħuh midneb, iħajru jabbanduna dil-ħajja żbaljata u jerġa’ jmur jitħabbeb mal-Missier. 

“Id-dnubiet li intom iżżommu…” – mhux qed jgħid għal meta qassis ma jkunx jista’ jaħfer xi dnub, p.e. imħabba nuqqas ta’ ndiema. Hawn qed jgħid li jekk id-dixxiplu ma jirnexxilux jikkonvinċi lil ħuh biex jikkonverti, dan se jibqa’ bid-dnub.  Għalhekk id-dixxiplu m’għandux iħallieh għall-rasu, imma jkompli jara x’jista’ jagħmel, u minn fejn se jfittex l-għajnuna biex joħroġ lil ħuh mill-ħajja tad-dnub.

Ġimgħa wara, Ġesu’ jerġa’ jkun mad-dixxipli flimkien ma’ Tumas.  Dan Tumas sar sinonimu ma’ dawk li jiddibutaw.  Kull wieħed mill-Appostli kellu rapport għalih ma’ Ġesu’ għax kull wieħed kellu l-karatteristika tiegħu.  

Tumas dejjem imsemmi bħal “it-tewmi” (Tewmas?).  Dan huwa nvit għal kull wieħed minna biex ikun tewmi ma’ Tumas.  Ma beżgħax joħroġ barra ġimgħa sħiħa.  Mhux Tumas biss ma emminx. 

Mattew jgħidilna li qabel Ġesu’ tela’ s-sema, “xi wħud baqgħu jiddubitaw”. Biex nemmnu fil-Qawmien anki aħna kull tant ngħaddu minn dubji – dawn jgħinuna biex ma nħawdux il-Qawmien mar-rianimazzjoni. 

Tumas għamel l-iżball li nqata’ mill-komunita’.  Dan m’għamlux bħal dak in-Nisrani li jara kollox ħażin u jitlaq mill-Knisja għax jaħseb li hu aktar qaddis mill-oħrajn kollha; jew dak li jmur pass ieħor ‘il quddiem u jsir ateju jew jidħol f’xi setta.  

Tumas kien bħal dak li jaqta’ ftit qalbu meta jara ċerti skandli; jew li jħossu skomdu meta f’xi żmien, il-Knisja ndaħlet wisq fil-pulitka u l-poter; jew illum meta jara l-piki bejn l-għaqdiet u l-parroċċi.  

Allura Tumas telaq, imma ġimgħa wara reġa’ ġie.  Kellu dubju għax ried prova materjali, konkreta, razzjonali u bis-sens.  Dan mhux possibbli għax aħna għadna fuq pjan uman.  Nifhmu sew meta nkunu fuq pjan Divin fl-eternita’.  

Kristu rxoxt jistieden lil Tumas: “Qis li ma tonqosx fik il-fidi, imma emmen.” Tumas ma kellux għalfejn imiss il-kustat u l-ħofor f’idejn Ġesu’.  Stqarr bla tlaqlieq: “Mulej tiegħi, u Alla tiegħi.”  Ħadd qabel ma kien irrefera għal Ġesu’ bħala Mulej u Alla fl-istess ħin.  Din l-istqarrija tal-fidi saret l-istqarrija tal-ewwel Insara, u għandha tkun l-istqarrija ta’ kull Nisrani li fetaħ għajnejh għar-rejalta’ u l-verita’ tal-Qawmien.

20th Puttinu Cares Marathon: A Journey of Hope, Solidarity, and Community

 

Hundreds lace up for a cause as Puttinu Cares marks two decades of supporting families in medical crisis

Early this morning, the streets of Malta echoed with the footsteps of hundreds of walkers as they embarked on the 20th annual Puttinu Cares fundraising marathon. The event, which has become a cornerstone of Maltese solidarity, saw participants gather in Mellieħa before making the inspiring journey to Floriana—all in support of families facing medical challenges abroad.

The Heartbreaking Reality: "We Couldn’t Get a Room"

Many families share the same struggle: arriving in a foreign country for urgent treatment, only to find there’s nowhere to stay. Hospitals can’t house everyone, and hotels are expensive. Without proper accommodation, parents face an impossible choice—sleeping in hospital chairs or draining their savings on last-minute rentals.

But there’s hope. A new housing project is underway to provide more rooms, ensuring no family is turned away. Yet, this vision can only become reality with your support.

How You Can Make a Difference

This isn’t just about walking. It’s about standing together for those who need us most. Here’s how you can help:

✅ Donate – Every contribution, big or small, helps a family in crisis.
✅ Spread the Word – Share this cause and encourage others to get involved.

Together, We Can Light the Way

No family should face illness alone. No parent should have to worry about where they’ll sleep while their child fights for their life.

This is more than charity—it’s humanity in action.

Will you take the next step?

How Pope Francis Touched Hearts with Rosaries, Gospels, and Handwritten Notes

 

A Visit That Went Beyond Words

When Pope Francis stepped into Rome’s Regina Coeli prison on Holy Thursday, he didn’t just deliver a speech or perform a ritual. He did something far more powerful—he met people.

Inmates, some of whom had spent years behind bars, waited in the prison’s rotunda, clutching rosaries and holding small prayer booklets. The Pope, unable to celebrate the full Washing of the Feet liturgy this year due to health reasons, instead brought something even more personal: pocket-sized Gospels, rosaries, and his undivided attention.

This wasn’t just a symbolic visit. It was a moment of real human connection—one that revealed the heart of the Gospel in action.

The Rosaries: A Lifeline of Hope

As the Pope moved among the prisoners, many wore wooden rosaries around their necks. Some had been praying with them for years, clinging to faith in their darkest moments.

When Francis handed out new rosaries, it wasn’t just a gift—it was a reminder:

“You are not forgotten. God is still with you.”

One inmate, his hands trembling, held his rosary tightly as he spoke with the Pope. Another, who had been in prison for over a decade, whispered, “This is the first thing I’ve received in years that wasn’t from the state.”

For these men, the rosary wasn’t just a string of beads—it was a lifeline, a tangible sign that they were still part of the Church, still loved by God.

The Gospels: A Light in the Darkness

Along with the rosaries, Pope Francis gave each inmate a small, pocket-sized Gospel. For many, it was the first book they had received in prison that wasn’t a legal document or a bureaucratic form.

One young man, Matteo, 26, asked the Pope to sign his copy. He explained that he had been imprisoned after defending his partner from an assault—a situation he claimed was misunderstood. The Pope listened, nodded, and wrote a brief message inside the Gospel.

Another detainee asked for an extra copy—“for my sister, when I get out.”

In a place where hope can feel scarce, these Gospels became more than books—they were promises of a future, reminders that their stories weren’t over.

The Handwritten Note: A Cry for Prayer

Perhaps the most moving moment came when an inmate named Ferdinando handed Pope Francis a folded piece of paper. Written inside was a simple plea:

“May the light of the Lord illuminate my life and that of my family. Thank you, Pope, for your presence.”

Francis paused, read the note, and then looked Ferdinando in the eyes. “Tell me about your family,” he said.

For a brief moment, in the middle of a prison, this man wasn’t just an inmate—he was a son, a brother, a human being with a story. And the Pope saw him.

Why This Matters

Pope Francis didn’t go to Regina Coeli to preach a sermon. He went to listen, to touch, to remind these men that they still matter.

In a world that often reduces prisoners to numbers or criminals to be forgotten, the Pope’s visit was a radical act of love.

• The rosaries said: “You are still part of the Church.”

• The Gospels said: “Your life has a purpose.”

• The handwritten note said: “I see you. I hear you.”

This is what the Gospel looks like—not just words, but flesh and blood, presence and compassion.

What Can We Learn?

Pope Francis’ visit challenges us to ask:

• Who are the “invisible” people in our own lives?

• How can we offer more than just words—how can we offer real encounter?

• Do we believe in second chances, even for those society has written off?

This Holy Week, let’s remember: Mercy isn’t just a idea. It’s a choice to reach out, to touch, to love.