A Priceless Treasure

Preca Publications is publishing Il-Paci tal-Qalb (Peace of Heart), authored by SDC Member Stephen Zammit. In this work, Zammit invites readers on an inner journey to uncover the essential role of inner peace in every person’s life. The book offers fifty reflections drawn from the wisdom of saints and spiritual teachers who have dedicated themselves to attaining this profound treasure. Among these are reflections inspired by the spirituality of St. George Preca. This book, in Maltese, serves as a valuable resource for adults seeking the grace of inner peace. Available from Preca Library.

Sadly, in our time, it has become increasingly common to hear people speak against the Christian faith. It’s not unusual to encounter someone criticising it on the mass or social media. However, when you take the time to listen to what they have to say about faith in God, you’ll find they often discuss a variety of ideas but seldom reflect deeply on what God has truly revealed Himself to be. St George Preca, saw this reality growing around him even in his time. He worked tirelessly to counter it, not only by teaching but also by embodying what he believed. God does not limit this responsibility to a selected few, such as St George, priests, religious people, or the SDC Members. From the day of Baptism, every Christian is called to share with those he encounters who God truly is. Today, as many people are quick to spread misconceptions about God, it is even more vital for us to reveal the true nature of God in any way we can. Some may do so through words, others through writing, but above all, everyone can do so by example; by living the faith and virtues that he believes in.

by Carmel G. Cauchi, SDC Member   Give God all you have and he will give you all you need. I give everything to the Lord. What does this mean? This means: that I don't let anything separate me from God's love; that I do my utmost to observe his law; that I am prepared to make any sacrifice he asks of me; that I hold him as the highest and best value in my life. If I am so generous with the Lord, he will be much more generous than I am and will provide me with everything I need. St George Preca used to teach that what is good and beautiful in the creature is ultimately good and beautiful in the Creator. This is also what our Lord Jesus himself teaches us: "Seek first the kingdom and justice of God, and all this (that you need) will be given to you as well" (Mt 6:33). He also told us that if God takes care of the birds and the lilies, how much more does he take care of us, humans, who are much more precious than them (Mt 6:25-34). In his letter, St Peter wrote: "Throw all your cares onto him (God) because he takes care of you" (1 Pet 5:7). The Bible also says, "The Lord will go before you; he will be with you; he will not leave you nor forsake you; do not be afraid and do not give up" (Dt 31:8). So, I will give everything to God, and I will lack nothing. To God, I give everything, all that he decided to give me, and I am certain that in my every need he will always provide for me.

Prayer is at the heart of every faith. Just as you cannot love your wife or husband without spending time with them, you cannot follow God without approaching him daily in prayer. This can be said to be seen in every other religious tradition. For example, a practicing Jew pauses to pray three times a day, while Muslims pray five times. However, this is something that in our faith we seem to have neglected, at least in Western countries, and around us we are seeing the fruits of this neglect because faith is always losing its prominence in our lives. We are even sacrificing the Sunday mass which for many was the last regular appointment with the life of faith. What can we do in the face of all this? Let the words of Christ inspire us, "Let your light shine." Let us be people of prayer. Let us make Sunday Mass a truly spiritual prayer experience. It doesn't matter how many people come up to the altar to do something! Because not only those who read or bring up the offerings are taking part in this celebration. Everyone who is in the church during mass is taking part in this prayer. But we must make it a moment of prayer. Let us find time, everyday, to pray and, in our intentions, we ask God to increase faith in the people close to us. Let's not forget that Christ himself told us that "everyone who asks, receives".

Il-‘Missierna’ (The ‘Our Father’) is a beautiful writing and reflection on God the Father by St George Preca. In this work, the Founder teaches us to call God the Father as the ‘Lord of heaven and earth’. Moreover, he invites us to address him every morning as the "sweet Father of the blessed Jesus Christ’. In the introduction, St George explains why we should use this tender name for God, stating that the inspiration comes from Jesus himself, who taught us the Our Father prayer. This affectionate name inspires and instils confidence, hope, love, and sweetness. Consequently, we are not afraid to approach God and embrace Him as His children. St George Preca delves into the true meaning of the Our Father, providing practical teachings for every Christian. Through this book, he offers a simple exposition for our meditation of the Lord’s prayer. As one begins to read the book, it quickly becomes evident, that St George Preca remains consistently faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church and the Bible, from which he drew much inspiration. He manages to present solid dogmatic and spiritual teachings in concise and straightforward paragraphs.   The meaning of the Our Father Our Father who art in heaven. To you we call, O holy God; we turn to you because we are your children. Hallowed be Thy Name. In this way, we ask God to help everyone recognise Him and give Him glory with a sincere rejection of sin. Thy kingdom come. In this way, we ask God to instil in us a true desire for heaven. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. In this way, we ask God to grant us the grace to deny ourselves perfectly. Give us this day our daily bread. In this way, we ask God to provide us with everything we need for our soul and body each day. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. In this way, we ask God to show us mercy and to help us show the same mercy to our neighbours. And lead us not into temptation. In this way, we ask God not to leave us alone during trials. But deliver us from evil. In this way, we ask God to fill us with the grace to fear sin and its consequences. Amen. In this way, we affirm that we truly desire all that we have asked of God and that we strongly hope for it from Him.

by Jean-Pierre Lintanf, Dominican Friar   Father, source of all life and of all tenderness, I want to sing to You. From You comes the most wonderful gift, your Son, your Word. It was your breath that gave to the first witnesses tongues of fire. I sing to you because my word is both yours and mine. You alone speak of You, and it is of You, with You, and for You that I try to proclaim from over roofs and walls something that amazes me. I give you thanks for the myriads of open ears that listen to me and the hearts who are ready for the word that I proclaim. I thank you for the overwhelming echo in return or for the great silences. I beg your forgiveness. Fragile vessel that shelters the treasure of your Word, Sometimes I did not follow your word and many times, I was afraid by your word. After all, who am I to dare to speak about you? And so, I ask You two things: to remind me that what's important to me is not necessarily important to you, and that my word will always have the sweetness of your word.