THE CRUCIFIXION REIMAGINED: WHAT IF CHRIST RETURNED TO MALTA?

As we Maltese pride ourselves on our Christian heritage, a sobering question looms: if Jesus Christ were to walk among us today, would we embrace Him? Or would we crucify Him anew? As we examine our society through the lens of Christ’s teachings, it becomes painfully clear that we have strayed far from the path laid out for us. Despite 2,000 years since the Passion, we have learned little, succumbing to the same temptations and errors that led to the Cross. From the legalisation of divorce to the flirtation with euthanasia, declining church attendance, the worship of wealth, and rising violence, we risk repeating history’s gravest mistake.

The introduction of divorce in Malta in 2011, following a divisive referendum, marked a turning point in our moral landscape. St John the Baptist, whose beheading was a direct consequence of his bold stand against Herod’s adulterous life, paid the ultimate price for defending the sanctity of matrimony. Yet, we, in a moment of collective weakness, chose to disregard this sacred lesson. Christ Himself taught that marriage is indissoluble (Matthew 19:6), yet we have embraced a culture that treats vows as disposable. This betrayal of divine teaching reveals a society more concerned with personal convenience than eternal truth, a society that might well turn against a Christ who dared to remind us of this.

As if divorce were not enough, Malta now teeters on the brink of legalising euthanasia, a practice euphemistically cloaked as “mercy,” but which stands in direct opposition to Christ’s command, “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13). The sanctity of life, from conception to natural death, is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine. Yet, voices in our society advocate for the right to end life prematurely, ignoring the redemptive power of suffering and the divine prerogative over life and death. A Christ who walked our streets, proclaiming the inviolability of human life, would likely face scorn from those who prioritise autonomy over obedience to God. Would we listen, or would we silence Him?

The decline in church attendance across Malta is a stark indicator of our spiritual malaise. Christ urged His followers to gather in His name (Matthew 18:20), yet our pews grow emptier with each passing year. Once, Sunday Mass was the heartbeat of Maltese life; now, it competes with brunches, shopping, and secular distractions. The Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith, is increasingly neglected. If Christ were to preach in our parishes today, calling us to repentance and worship, would we heed His call? Or would we dismiss Him as an inconvenience to our modern lifestyles?

The Bible warns repeatedly against the adoration of false gods, yet for many of us money has become the new idol. The pursuit of wealth and status drives decisions, from career choices to political allegiances. Christ’s admonition that “you cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24) is drowned out by the clamour for material success. Our obsession with prosperity has bred inequality, greed, and a coarsening of our communal spirit. A Christ who overturned the tables of the money-changers in the temple would surely provoke outrage among those who have made profit their god. Would we cheer His zeal? Or would we conspire against Him?

Perhaps most alarmingly, Malta is witnessing a rise in violent crime and a growing intolerance for dissenting views. The streets of our towns, once safe havens, now bear the scars of aggression, while online platforms seethe with vitriol. Christ’s call to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44) and to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) is mocked in a culture that celebrates retribution and ridicules opposing perspectives without mercy. A vocal Christ, challenging our prejudices and calling for peace, would likely face the wrath of the mob. In a society that drowns out truth with noise, there is no guarantee He would escape the modern equivalent of crucifixion, be it character assassination, social ostracism, or worse.

As we reflect on these failures, the question remains: would Malta crucify Christ again? The evidence suggests we might. Our embrace of divorce, flirtation with euthanasia, neglect of worship, worship of wealth, and descent into violence and intolerance reveal a people who have forgotten the lessons of the Cross. Yet, there is hope. The Maltese heart, though wayward, is not beyond redemption. Christ’s mercy is boundless, and His call to repentance is as urgent today as it was 2,000 years ago. Let us, as a nation, return to His teachings, reject falsehood, and rebuild a society worthy of His love. For if we fail, we risk not only crucifying Christ anew but condemning ourselves to a future devoid of His light.