In the early 1970's my life was very difficult and even a little catastrofic. I was talking to my dad, Anthony Zammit, who came to the U.S. when he was 19. He only had 4th grade education, but a skilled welder and extremely intelligent. He worked hard - 10 hours a day 7 days a week when I was young. He did not really offer analytical advice. He merely knew what I was going through and said these words that will never be ereased as long as I live and beyond: "No matter how bad things get out there in the world, the door is open. You can always come home." For him, FAMILY was the answer to my and anyone's trouble. In Malta, if you look up in the encyclopedia the surname: Zammit, you will find words to the effect that the Maltese are extremely devoted to children. This characterizes the Maltese people. I can so see this in my own parents for sure. My mom. Carmen (Azzopardi) Zammit had 8 children and was devoted to all with great love and devotion. So, the concept of "home" and "family" are central to Maltese Catholics as my parents were and instilled in us much devotion. Everyone of us is devoted to our children and to our Catholic faith. No one ever left the church but are as devoted as our parents were.
I also told my son, Raphael, who was going through some hard times too (he is a brilliant artist, teacher), "Son, 'no matter how bad things get ou there, the door is open. You can always come home." You can see how family tradition is passed down from one generation to the next. No only words but even "children" as passed down. Is it not extremely interesting that my grandfather, Xavier Zammit, was the third son in his family. His third son was my dad, Anthony Zammit. My dad's third son is me, Pio Zammit. My third son is
Raphael. None of my brothers had 3 sons. Only the third son had 3 sons. My brothers only had 2 son. So, in our family, I am looking to see if Raphael has 3 sons. He knows the tradition is on him. He desires children very much but is not married yet. He is 37 years old with 2 degrees and working on his thrid, good looking, tender and affectionate and reeks with charm and creativity. Any ladies out there, his email is raphaelzammit@yahoo.com.
When my dad said to me; "The door is open. You can always come home", I also took that as God the Father telling me that His Heart was open. I can always come home to Him with any problem. Jesus's Prodigal son decided to come home because he was huggry, He rehearsed his speech: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am not worthy to be called your son. Make me as one of your hired hands."
But the Father caught sight of his son coming home and "ran out to meet him, embraced him and kissed him and said to his servants: 'put a robe on him and a ring for his finger!'.........for my son was lost and is now found'" Well, with my own dad's words in my ears still, I can appreciate this story told by Jesus for all the Prodigal sons in the world to hear. And this picture of the Father is the greatest and clearest and most loving of all stories ever told about God the Father. This account of the Prodigal son is the greatest story ever told in literature. No one word is too much or too little. It is perfect. The Old Testament God did not know the Father as Jesus taught Him to be. Yes, Jonas discovered that God is "slow to anger and merciful", but what we learned from Jesus is "that no matter how bad things can get, you can always come home" - home to the most loving arms of the most loving Father in the Universe....in every universe out there even to the 10 to the 10 to the 10 to the 123 power. I go home to the Father's heart daily. I also go home to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament daily. Nothing on this earth can touch me.....I have Jesus and the Father and the Holly Spirit inside me. Psalm 138: I give You thanks O Lord.........because your love is greater than we ever knew of you." Love, Pio
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