🕊️ 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.

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.

Il-Passjoni ta’ Sidna Ġesù Kristu skont San Luqa. Studju bibbliku Luqa 22, 14 – 23, 56 - Qari ta’ Ħadd il-Palm u l-Passjoni tal-Mulej

Fir-rakkont tal-Passjoni, l-Evanġelisti jagħmlu enfasi li din hi passjoni ta’ mħabba l-aktar kbira. B’hekk il-qarrej jinvolvi ruħu fl-istorja. F’kull Vanġelu nsibu xi fatti li ma nsibuhomx fl-oħrajn. 

Fl-aħħar ċena, f’Luqa biss insibu l-kliem: “Agħmlu dan b’tifkira tiegħi” fi kliem ieħor “Il-qofol ta’ ħajti kollha hu dan: jien sirt ħobż għall-bnedmin biex ikunu jistgħu isostnu ħajjithom. Jien sirt disponibbli. Intom issa għamlu bħali: siru ħobż għal ħutkom. Hekk biss l-Ewkaristija tagħmel sens.” Min jitqarben illum jiħtieġ jagħmel hekk ukoll: imantni lill-għajru kull ħin.

“Inqalgħet kustjoni fuq min kien l-akbar.” Ix-xewqa biex tkun kbir hi f’qalb kull bniedem. Imma hemm dik li tiksibha bi kriterji tal-bnedmin (tisraq, tgħaffeġ fuq l-oħrajn…) u hemm l-oħra bil-kriterji ta’ Ġesu, billi  tkun seftur ta’ kulħadd u tfittex l-aħħar post. 

Luqa jpoġġi dil-kustjoni eżatt wara t-twaqqif tal-Ewkaristija biex juri li l-iktar ħaġa mportanti li Ġesu jridna ngħixu hi din: li nkunu servi tal-oħrajn. Dan hu t-testment li ħallielna Ġesu.

“Itolbu biex ma tidħlux fit-tiġrib.” Ġesu jinsisti fuq it-talb u Hu jitlob ukoll. Id-dixxipli kienu f’periklu li ma jagħżlux l-aħħar post. Kellhom bżonn it-talb, sabiex jaslu jgħaqqdu r-rieda tagħhom mal-proposta ta’ Ġesu. 

Ġesu wkoll kellu jikkumbatti: “Warrab minni dal-kalċi.” Imma bit-talb rebaħ it-tiġrib. L-anġlu li wettqu/ tah il-forza, m’huwiex dik il-ħlejqa li nimmaġinaw bil-ġwienaħ, imma dik l-illuminazzjoni li Alla jirrivela lil min jitlob intimament. 

Ġesu se jagħti ħajtu bħala rigal. Bit-talb għaraf li dan mhux falliment imma bidu ta’ dinja ġdida. B’talb bħal dan aħna naslu biex naċċettaw did-dinja u niċħdu l-proposti tax-xitan. 

F’Luqa nsibu tliet elementi partikulari: 

(i) L-agunija: wara li twettaq mill-anġlu, Ġesu għereq għaraq tad-demm. It-tiġrib li kellu fid-deżert issa reġgħu ġew u kellu jikkumbatti magħhom b’qawwa akbar, għax wasal għas-si u n-no li se jwasslu għaċ-ċarċir tad-demm. Xi wħud jgħaddu minn battalja simili meta jiġu biex jaħfru xi offiża kbira. Jerbħu biss bit-talb. 

(ii) L-għaraq tad-demm kien riżultat ta’ dit-taqbida. Hu kien jaf li Hu aktar qawwi mis-sefsif tax-xitan. 

(iii) Skont Luqa, Ġesu ma jlumx id-dixxipli għax raqdu jew għax imbagħad ħarbu. Anzi Luqa jgħid li fuq il-Kalvarju kienu qed isegwu kollox mill-bogħod. Raqdu “mħabba s-swied il-qalb”, Ġesu' hawn jiskuża d-dgħufija tagħhom. Aħna mitlubin niskużaw id-debbolizzi u l-waqgħat ta’ ħutna, mhux inġegħluhom jistħu.

“Mgħallem tridx nagħtu bis-sejf?” Fil-konfużjoni li nqalgħet ma stennewx tweġiba u qabdu jagħtu. Ġesu waqqafhom: “Biżżejjed! Il-vjolenza ma tirbħuhiex bil-vjolenza.” Biex itihom eżempju, fejjaq widnet il-midrub (tinstab biss f’Luqa), fi kliem ieħor, iridu jagħmlu l-ġid lil min kien se jagħmlilhom id-deni. 

In-Nisrani m’għandu jsejjaħ lil ħadd għadu, imma forsi rival, għax dan jixtieq ħwejjeġ il-kontra tad-dixxiplu. Dawn ir-rivali ma nistgħux nobogħduhom jew nużaw il-vjolenza fuqhom, imma nħobbuhom biex forsi nirbħuhom u nibdluhom f’aħwa. 

 “Anqas biss nafu.” Luqa biss jikteb li “l-Mulej dar u ħares lejh.”  Din ma kinitx ċanfira, imma biha ried jgħid: “Naf kemm tħobbni biex issugrajt tiġi s’hawn, avolja mbagħad ma flaħtx tistqarr li inti dixxiplu Tiegħi.” Il-verb ħares użat hawn ifisser: “ħares fil-fond ta’ qalbu.”    

Luqa biss isemmi ‘l Erodi Antipa li Ġesu kien sejjaħ’volpi’ għax kien korrott għall-aħħar.  

(i) Erodi feraħ b’Ġesu għax ħaseb li se jgħaxxaq lill-mistednin tiegħu b’xi maġija; 

(ii) Ġesu jibqa’ sieket; 

(iii) Erodi qabad jinsultah u jċekknu quddiem kulħadd: “Qed nara li int ma tiswa għal xejn” – imma dan jgħodd biss skont il-kriterji ta’ Erodi; (iv) Erodi jispiċċa biex jinfaqa’ jiddieħak b’Ġesu. 

Luqa jgħallimna li ħadd m’għandu jfittex lil Ġesu għall-mirakli biss. In-Nisrani għandu jfittex l-ewwel u qabel kollox id-dawl ġdid ta’ Kristu, u jaċċetta li jgħix ħajja ta’ servizz għall-oħrajn. 

Luqa biss isemmi n-nisa li mxew il-Kalvarju, jibku u jħabbtu sidirhom. “Tibkux lili imma lilkom, għax intom l-aktar li tbatu meta l-bnedmin jagħżlu l-ħażen. Kieku aktar nies jisimgħu mill-intwizzjonijiet tal-ommijiet, ikun hawn inqas inkwiet.” 

‘Illum tkun miegħi il-Ġenna.” Mattew jikteb li ż-żewġ ħallelin insultaw lil Ġesu. Luqa jgħid li wieħed biss. L-ieħor ċanfru u mbagħad talab lil Ġesu jiftakar fih. Hawn biss naraw il-kelma “Ġenna” fil-Vanġeli. 

Meta twieled Ġesu, żaruh ir-rgħajja, l-iskart tas-soċjeta’. F’ħajtu daru miegħu pubblikani, prostituti u midinbin li kienu mżebilħa mill-“puri”. F’mewtu kien imdawwar minn żewġ kriminali. Ġesu ġie għal dawn kollha, u kif reġa’ lura għand il-Missier,  ippreżentalu kriminal. 

Luqa biss jikteb” “Aħfrilhom…” Ma qalx hekk għar-Rumani imma għall-kapijiet Lhud li kienu responsabbli għal mewtu u qatt m’aċċettaw lilu jew it-tagħlim Tiegħu. Anna, Kajfa, l-iskribi u l-Fariżej “ma kinux jafu x’inhuma jagħmlu.” 

F’ħafna każi, min jidneb ma jirrejalizzax kemm ħsara jagħmel lilu nnifsu u lill-oħrajn. Kieku jkun jaf, ma jidnibx. Għalhekk illum Ġesu jgħallimna kif inħarsu bil-ħniena lejn il-midneb. Qatt m’għandna nixtiqulu deni jew kastig, anki meta nsofru offiżi u mewt ta’ xi għeżież tagħna. 

Xempju ta’ dan hu l-ewwel martri Stiefnu: “Mulej, tgħoddulhomx bħala dnub.” Dan hu d-dixxiplu ġenwin li jġib ruħu bħall-Imgħallem tiegħu. “Hu li ma kien għamel ebda dnub… meta għajjruh, ma weġibx bit-tgħajjir, meta bata ma heddidx” (1 Pietru 2, 22).