Seize the moment

How many generations are there who can say that they were lucky enough to live as many historical moments as the generation of Maltese who are over 50 can say? We witnessed Malta's independence, which was strengthened by the proclamation of the Republic. We passed through the dark period where democracy was threatened. We resisted and we survived. The belief that the people are supreme was proved right.

On the ecclesial level we lived through Vatican II. Many described it as a kind of a Copernican revolution inside the Catholic Church. The actualisation of the radical effects of that revolution is still with us.

On the international level we lived through the downfall of segregation in the United States, that of apartheid in South Africa and Communism in Eastern Europe. Who does not remember the fall of the Berlin Wall?

Those who are in their 60s still remember World War II. Britain and France were locked in a deadly war against Italy and Germany. The post-war period brought with it a Europe divided right down the middle. All this is now history.

The arch-enemies of World War II became friends. Their friendship was structured within the European Union as a union of peace and solidarity. Last Wednesday this Union was enlarged to include the former Communist countries as well as Cyprus and our own country. The signing of the accession treaty showed that there is no division which cannot be healed.

The present moment that all of us are living is heralding a new future not only for tiny Malta but also for all of Europe. We are lucky to be part of this future. We would be stupid if we do not make the most of it.

Let's pray for the grace of wisdom to seize the present moment and the great opportunities it is offering us.