Malta is a shared living space. Let us be kind to each other
A few days ago, our nation commemorated the 57th anniversary of its independence. Is it time to go deeper into our understanding of who we became as a society?
Evidently, Maltese society today is diverse and multicultural. It is an indisputable fact that it is no longer composed only of Maltese citizens, and it really has never been like that either.
We must embark on a challenging but soul-searching feat, if we are to fulfill the title that Luke gave to the inhabitants of these islands, that of being “unusually good” (Acts 28).
As the Church today commemorates World Day for Migrants and Refugees, we are called to work together towards us even wider. This day of remembrance is a call to rekindle the flames of a good heart and foster a welcoming attitude toward our neighbors, especially those in need of shelter and are desperate enough to embark on a life-threatening journey to reach a safe place to live, work and participate in.
We have a “we and them” mentality that has become more ingrained in our society, pushing us to look at others as if they are our enemies. Such a view of the world baptizes us from seeing the beauty of hospitality, that of being open to sharing life.
Worse than this is a growing culture of indifference that makes us turn our heads to the suffering of the most vulnerable. Although not the only issue, the low labor standards of those most in need have become clearly obvious.
A decent and humane life begins by having the opportunity to work and do it legally and earn a living. Many are unfortunately being exploited and forced to work illegally without the proper legal and health and safety safeguards.
We must ensure that this coexistence is peaceful and harmonious– Dun Anton d’Amato
Although we are proud to be a nation of hard-working people, we constantly come across people who visit our offices who are underpaid or work illegally, stuck between surviving and being exploited in the name of greed and “sustaining the economy “.
Unfortunately, on the issue, we often close our eyes, turn our heads and if possible, close our ears, as if what we do not see or hear does not happen and does not exist.
It is we, the inhabitants of today, who are called to exercise the same unusual good heart of 2000 years ago. One way to do this is to raise our voices in their defense to ensure that a less bureaucratic system is put in place that allows all those living in Malta to work regularly, instead of creating a climate that “encourages” work. in the information market where exploitation often flourishes.
If what Luke said about us is still valid, we cannot nurture indifference but a good heart, we cannot see the ‘other’ as a threat but as an opportunity to become a better version of what we are, and to reflect on who we want. nsiru. .
Pope Francis said “We are all in the same boat and we are called to commit ourselves to no more walls separating us.” We share the same living space, our common home. Every person has something unique and beautiful to contribute to our Maltese society.
Today we are more aware that Malta is a space for shared living, a place where people in all their diversity coexist. Maybe we need to foster a culture of meeting.
We already share our space with ‘others’. We must ensure that this coexistence is peaceful and harmonious.
What we call “we” needs to be made as broad as possible.
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