This section is dedicated to posts related to spirituality. The content is solely the thought of the author and it is not affiliated with any authority. Feel free to share and comment on any post that you find useful and enjoyed reading.
- The Infinite Dignity of Every Human BeingIn April 2024, the Catholic Church through the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) issued an important new declaration called Dignitas Infinita (Latin for “Infinite Dignity”) that reaffirms the fundamental dignity of the human person. This declaration, approved by Pope Francis, builds upon the Church’s… Read more: The Infinite Dignity of Every Human Being
- Avvent 2023Wasalna għal bidu ta’ sena ġdida fiċ-ċiklu liturġiku. Il-Knisja tibda s-sena bi preparazzjoni għall-Milied. Hu żmien fejn wieħed jieqaf u jħares lura biex jeżamina il-ħajja spiritwali tiegħu u fl-istess ħin jipprepara lilu nnifsu għal sena oħra. Kull sena x-xhur iġibu staġuni differenti u aħna nippreparaw ħwejjiġna u… Read more: Avvent 2023
- Reflection: Sunset at Dingli CliffsFew Sundays ago, my wife and I ventured to Dingli Cliffs to witness the mesmerizing sunset. The air carried a slight chill, and the tranquil atmosphere was filled with the sounds of birds, seeking shelter in the cozy embrace of trees or cliffside crevices as dawn approached.… Read more: Reflection: Sunset at Dingli Cliffs
- Journey of Grace: Reflections on the Sinner Woman in the Third GospelThe narrative of the sinner woman in the third gospel extends beyond the surface, delving into profound aspects of spirituality and human nature. One key aspect is the notion that Jesus gives us the space and time to draw closer to him. The sinner woman’s unreserved approach… Read more: Journey of Grace: Reflections on the Sinner Woman in the Third Gospel
- Christ Pantocrator: A Personal JourneyIn the quiet contemplation, my gaze often comes to rest upon the arresting image of Christ Pantocrator on my desk. In those moments of stillness, the iconic representation of Christ as the “Ruler of All” becomes more than a mere image; it transforms into a portal to… Read more: Christ Pantocrator: A Personal Journey
- Byzantine Icons: Christ PantocratorThe Christ Pantocrator icon is one of the most iconic and widely recognized images in Byzantine iconography. It depicts Jesus Christ as the “Ruler of All” or “Almighty” and is a central representation in Orthodox Christian art. In this blog, we will look at its description and… Read more: Byzantine Icons: Christ Pantocrator
- Understanding Byzantine Iconography: Colors, Images, and SymbolismByzantine iconography refers to the religious art of the Byzantine Empire, primarily associated with Eastern Orthodox Christianity. These icons served as windows into the divine, bridging the gap between the earthly and the spiritual realms. They were not mere artworks but held profound religious significance, often used… Read more: Understanding Byzantine Iconography: Colors, Images, and Symbolism
- A visit to the Church of St Clement of OhridDuring my work visit to Skopje this summer I got struck by the beauty of this church. Nestled in the heart of North Macedonia lies a gem of cultural and religious significance—the Orthodox Church of Saint Clement of Ohrid. Revered for its historical importance, architectural splendor, and… Read more: A visit to the Church of St Clement of Ohrid
- Love, Grace, and Forgiveness – A Sinful Woman ForgivenThe meal at Simon the Pharisee’s house is the second meal type-scene to reflect upon. One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and when he went into the Pharisee’s house he reclined to dine. And a woman in the city who was a sinner,… Read more: Love, Grace, and Forgiveness – A Sinful Woman Forgiven
- Meals with Jesus in Luke’s GospelIn the Gospel of Luke, meals play a significant role in Jesus’ ministry. In approximately one-fifth of the sentences in Luke’s Gospel and in Acts, meals are mentioned. Meals with Jesus in Luke are often associated with evangelism, discipleship, and reconciliation. Here are some examples of meals… Read more: Meals with Jesus in Luke’s Gospel
- The Banquet at Levi’s HouseThe first meal-type scene identified by Okorie is Jesus’ banquet at Levi’s house. After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax-collection station, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up, left everything, and followed him. Then… Read more: The Banquet at Levi’s House
- Mary Magdalene in the Gospels: Witness to ResurrectionMary Magdalene’s presence in the Gospels holds significant importance as she emerges as a prominent figure closely associated with Jesus Christ. This short blog entry examines the portrayal of Mary Magdalene in the Gospels, exploring her role as a devoted follower and witness to the resurrection of… Read more: Mary Magdalene in the Gospels: Witness to Resurrection
- Mary Magdalene: The Enigmatic DiscipleMary Magdalene, an enigmatic figure in biblical history, has captivated the imagination of scholars and believers alike for centuries. Revered as one of Jesus Christ’s most devoted followers, she holds a prominent place in Christian tradition. Early Life and Background While specific details regarding Mary Magdalene’s early… Read more: Mary Magdalene: The Enigmatic Disciple
- Sibt il-Għid: Omelija AntikaF’Sibt il-Għid, il-Knisja Kattolika permezz tal-Qari tal-Uffiċċju tippreżentalna omelija antika mill-kitbiet li nsibu fil-Patristka Griega. X’inhi l-Patristiga Griega? Patristika Griega tirreferi għall-kitbiet teoloġiċi u t-tagħlim tat-teologi Kristjani tal-bidu li kitbu bil-Grieg, mill-1 sat-8 seklu. Dawn Missirijiet il-Knisja, jew Patristiċi, kellhom rwol sinifikanti fit-tiswir tal-iżvilupp tat-teoloġija, id-duttrina u… Read more: Sibt il-Għid: Omelija Antika
- Katekeżi tal-isqof San Ġwann Kriżostmu: Il-qawwa tad-demm ta’ KristuSan Ġwann Krisostmu (c. 349 – 407 AD) kien isqof u teologu tal-Knisja tal-bidu. Hu kien magħruf għall-predikazzjoni u l-kitbiet elokwenti tiegħu. Huwa twieled f’Antjokja, fit-Turkija tal-llum u studja taħt l-oratur pagan magħruf, Libanius, qabel ma dan tal-aħħar ikkonverta għall-Kristjaneżmu. Krisostmu daħal monaku ta’ età żgħira u… Read more: Katekeżi tal-isqof San Ġwann Kriżostmu: Il-qawwa tad-demm ta’ Kristu
- Robbers or wrongdoers?In this short blog entry, we shall look at the development of the word describing the two criminals who were crucified alongside Jesus. Two of the Synoptic Gospels says that they were “robbers” while the latest one says they were “wrongdoers”. Is there something lost in translation? … Read more: Robbers or wrongdoers?
- The Good ThiefThe story of the good thief, or better, the penitent wrongdoer (see Robbers or wrongdoers?), as recounted in the Gospel of Luke (Lk 23, 32-43), is a powerful example of the transformative power of grace and the possibility of redemption even in the direst of circumstances. The… Read more: The Good Thief
- 2022/12 – Il-mara KangħanijaQari mill-Evanġelju skont San Mattew Ġesù ħareġ minn hemm u telaq lejn Tir u Sidon. U ħarġet waħda mara Kangħanija minn dawk l-inħawi, u qabdet tgħajjat u tgħid: “Ħenn għalija, Mulej, Bin David; binti għandha fiha xitan, u magħdura ħafna!” Iżda hu ma weġibhiex kelma. Resqu lejh… Read more: 2022/12 – Il-mara Kangħanija
- 2022/10 – Il-laqgħa ta’ Ġesù u PietruDan ix-xahar ser niffukaw fuq is-silta ta’ meta Ġesù ltaqa ma Pietru. Ħafna jafu din il-ġrajja bħala s-sajda mirakuluża, imma kif ser naraw, l-akbar miraklu jsir f’qalb Pietru! Qari mill-Evanġelju skont San Luqa Darba l-kotra bdiet tross fuqu biex tisma’ l-kelma ta’ Alla. Hu kien qiegħed f’xatt… Read more: 2022/10 – Il-laqgħa ta’ Ġesù u Pietru
- 2022/9 – Ġesù jfejjaq wieħed mifluġQari mill-Evanġelju skont San Mark Meta wara xi ġranet daħal Kafarnahum, in-nies semgħet li kien id-dar. U nġabru bosta, hekk li ma kienx hemm fejn joqogħdu iżjed, anqas quddiem il-bieb. U qagħad ixandrilhom il-kelma. U marru ħadulu quddiemu wieħed mifluġ, merfugħ minn erbgħa min-nies. Billi ma setgħux… Read more: 2022/9 – Ġesù jfejjaq wieħed mifluġ
- 2022/8 – Il-fejqan tal-imwieled agħmaQari mill-Evanġelju skont San Ġwann Kif kien għaddej, lemaħ raġel agħma minn twelidu, u d-dixxipli tiegħu staqsewh: “Rabbi, dan twieled agħma għax dineb hu stess, jew għax dinbu l-ġenituri tiegħu?” Ġesù wieġeb: “Mhux għax dineb hu jew il-ġenituri tiegħu, imma ġralu hekk biex l-għemil ta’ Alla jidher… Read more: 2022/8 – Il-fejqan tal-imwieled agħma
- 2022/7 – Ġesù jimxi fuq l-ilmaQari mill-Evanġelju skont San Mattew U minnufih ġiegħel lid-dixxipli jitilgħu fuq id-dgħajsa u jmorru qablu x-xatt l-ieħor, sakemm jibgħat lin-nies. Wara li bagħat lin-nies, tela’ waħdu fuq l-għoljiet biex jitlob. Xħin sar filgħaxija kien għadu hemm fuq, waħdu; id-dgħajsa kienet diġà f’nofs il-baħar titħabat mal-mewġ, għax kellhom ir-riħ kontra… Read more: 2022/7 – Ġesù jimxi fuq l-ilma
- 2022/6 – Ġesù jitma’ ħamest elef ruħQari mill-Evanġelju skont San Mattew Meta sama’ l-aħbar, Ġesù telaq minn hemm bid-dgħajsa u mar waħdu f’post imwarrab. Imma n-nies semgħu fejn mar, u telqu warajh bil-mixi mill-ibliet. Xħin niżel l-art mid-dgħajsa ra kotra kbira ta’ nies u tħassarhom, u fejqilhom il-morda tagħhom. Xħin sar filgħaxija d-dixxipli… Read more: 2022/6 – Ġesù jitma’ ħamest elef ruħ
- 2022/5 – Ġesù jfejjaq lil Bartimew l-agħmaQari mill-Evaġelju skont San Mark U waslu Ġeriko. Hu u ħiereġ minn Ġeriko flimkien mad-dixxipli tiegħu u ma’ kotra kbira ta’ nies, kien hemm wieħed tallab agħma, jismu Bartimew, bin Timew, bilqiegħda mal-ġenb tat-triq. Dan, meta sama’ li kien Ġesù ta’ Nazaret, qabad jgħajjat u jgħid: “Ġesù, bin… Read more: 2022/5 – Ġesù jfejjaq lil Bartimew l-agħma
- 2022/4 – Il-mewt ta’ LazzruQari mill-Evanġelju skont San Ġwann Marta qalet lil Ġesù: “Mulej, kieku kont hawn, ħija ma kienx imut. Imma wkoll issa, jiena naf li kulma int titlob lil Alla, Alla jagħtihulek.” Ġesù qalilha: “Ħuk jerġa’ jqum!” Qaltlu Marta: “Jiena naf li jerġa’ jqum, fil-qawmien mill-imwiet fl-aħħar jum.” Qalilha… Read more: 2022/4 – Il-mewt ta’ Lazzru
- 2022/3 – Ġesù jfejjaq għaxar lebbrużiQari mill-Evanġelju skont San Luqa Ġara li, huwa u sejjer lejn Ġerusalemm, Ġesù għadda minn bejn is-Samarija u l-Galilija. Kif kien dieħel f’raħal, iltaqgħu miegħu għaxart irġiel morda bil-lebbra. Waqfu ’l bogħod minnu, għollew leħinhom u qalulu: “Ġesù, Mgħallem, ikollok ħniena minna!” Kif rahom, qalilhom: “Morru uru… Read more: 2022/3 – Ġesù jfejjaq għaxar lebbrużi
- 2022/2 – Ġesù jfejjaq il-qaddej ta’ ċenturjunQari mill-Evanġelju skont San Mattew Daħal Kafarnahum, u resaq fuqu wieħed ċenturjun jitolbu bil-ħerqa u jgħidlu: “Sinjur, id-dar għandi l-qaddej mixħut, mifluġ u batut wisq.” Qallu Ġesù: “Niġi jien infejqu.” “Sinjur”, qallu ċ-ċenturjun, “Ma jistħoqqlix li tidħol taħt is-saqaf tiegħi. Iżda int ordna biss b’kelma, u l-qaddej… Read more: 2022/2 – Ġesù jfejjaq il-qaddej ta’ ċenturjun
- Kif Mietu l-Appostli?Fil-Bibbja ma nsibu xejn dwar il-mewt tal-Appostli, għajr għal tnejn minnhom; dik ta’ Ġuda l-Iskarjota u ta’ Ġakbu. It-tagħrif li għandna dwar il-ħajja u l-mewt tagħhom ġej mit-Tradizzjoni tal-Knisja u kitbiet oħra antiki. Xi wħud minn dawn il-kitbiet u Tradizzjonijiet huma msejsa fl-istorja u nsibuhom rakkontati f’kitbiet… Read more: Kif Mietu l-Appostli?
- L-AppostliIt-12-il appostlu, jew sempliċiment “it-Tnax” kienu l-eqreb dixxipli, segwaċi, ta’ Ġesù. Wara l-mewt ta’ Ġesù, huma waqfu u mexxew diversi komunitajiet biex iwasslu t-tagħlim ta’ Ġesù f’partijiet differenti tad-dinja ta’ dak iż-żmien. Min kienu dawn it-tnax? Fil-Bibbja nsibu erba’ siltiet bil-lista tal-ismijiet tal-appostli. Dawn huma: Mattew 10,… Read more: L-Appostli
- Is-Seba’ Kelmiet ta’ MarijaJekk trid tkun taf dwar il-karattru u l-ħsibijiet ta’ persuna, ismagħha titkellem. Il-kliem u l-imġieba jixħtu dawl fuq l-ispiritwalità u l-psike tagħna. L-istess nistgħu ngħidu għal Marija omm Ġesù. Fil-Bibbja għandna veru ftit episodji fejn tissemma Marija, omm Ġesù, u wisq inqas fuq dak li qalet hi.… Read more: Is-Seba’ Kelmiet ta’ Marija
- Għax l-anġli tiegħu hu jibgħatlek, u jħarsuk fi triqatek kollha (S 91, 11)L-Anġli. Ħafna drabi, nassoċjaw l-anġli ma ħlejjaq tat-tfal jew mal-mitoloġija jew mal-fantasija. Imma l-anġli huma ħolqien t’Alla u preżenti fil-ħajja tagħna. Ma danakollu, ftit jew xejn nagħtu kas tagħhom. Fl-Iskrittura Mqaddsa nsibu msemmija disa’ ġerarkiji ta’ anġli. F’dan l-ispazju li ġej ser naraw min huma u fejn… Read more: Għax l-anġli tiegħu hu jibgħatlek, u jħarsuk fi triqatek kollha (S 91, 11)
- Sub Tuum PraesidiumSub tuum praesidium, jew kif hi magħrufa bil-Malti “Taħt il-Ħarsien Tiegħek”, hi x’aktarx l-aktar talba antika tal-Knisja ddedikata lill-Imqaddsa Verġni Marija. Hi talba li ilha tintuża f’diversi riti liturġiċi, kemm minn dawk tal-Lvant kif ukoll minn tal-Punent. Fl-1917, John Rylands Library, librerija fl-Università ta’ Manchester, xtrat diversi… Read more: Sub Tuum Praesidium