On 30 September 2023, Maltese-born Darwin Bishop Charles Gauci, Conventual Chaplain Ad Honorem Order of Malta, led over 20 members and friends in an online reflection upon “Spring and New Begins”.

This link provides video and audio recordings of Bishop Charles’ reflection:

Reflection with Bishop Charles Gauci – 30 Sep 2023

Embracing the hope and renewal of Spring, Bishop Charles encourages us to nurture our clarity of purpose.

Our Order’s daily prayer reminds us to be “forgetful of myself”, to be compassionate in our service of the sick and poor and defence of the faith.

Like Jesus, we need to make time to reflect and be in touch with where we are in each season of our life.

Peaceful retreat in a Church or nature helps us to differentiate the soul’s whisper from the ego.

Unbridled ego creates myopic tension, envy, abuse, violence, war, and decay in our world.

Authentic prayer guides us to be spiritually centred, to become truly humble and humane.

We need to trust that despite our human frailty, we are unconditionally loved and replenished by God.

St Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “For when I am weak, then I am strong”, if I open myself to Christ’s mercy and love.

The Eucharist provides a sacramental touchstone to remind us of what really matters.

All the wisdom of Scripture and experience is a finger pointing to God as Creator. To understand that God is love.

Bishop Charles shared a mantra he often repeats when visiting local parishes, schools, hospitals, prisons, detention centres and international conferences, “You are good”.

Bishop Charles commended St Charles de Foucauld’s “Prayer of Abandonment”:

“I abandon myself into Your hands;
do with me what You will.
Whatever You may do, I thank You…”

As we say the daily prayer of “Yes” to Christ, we are not enslaved but liberated.

The Gift of the Holy Spirit helps us to translate ancient truths into modern action.

If we meditate upon being loved into existence, our spirit is renewed to welcome all on the outer into our community of God.

Through Christ, we become a source of Spring and hope to serve the homeless, the sick and people in need.

For Christ reminds in Revelations 21:5, “Behold I make all things new”.

Confraternal thanks to the Randazzo family for hosting Bishop Charles in their home to present this online reflection.

All Members, Candidates, volunteers, family, and friends are welcome to share the monthly formation series, “An Hour of Reflection with a Chaplain” of the Order of Malta.