To a world that has grown acquisitive, comfort-loving,
pleasure-seeking and avaricious the son of the soil shines like the Star, like the star one that
rose in the East and led the astrologers to worship the new born King. Yes, the
Asian Star – St. Joseph Vaz – still out shines and stands out as a model, for
the 21st century people as a witness of right living; a missionary, a sower of
the seed of faith in an unknown world who crossed barriers when everything
seemed impossible!
Though the European missionaries brought
the Catholic Faith to Sri Lanka, over a century there were no native priests or
religious. To their utter disappointment they did not expect what happened
later – the expulsion of all of them from the country, as they had hoped to
send missionaries from Europe to consolidate their work. It was when Colombo
capitulated to the Dutch in 1656 and Jaffna in 1658; Portuguese power came to
an end. The Dutch began to persecute the Catholics. Their going and coming was
monitored and no priests were allowed to step into the country. To the extent
that there were no priests left. Neither the Holy See nor Propaganda Fide with
all their powers and influence could persuade the government and were refused
permission. Nor could the European missionaries enter secretly due to the
colour of their skin.
At this time the Spirit of the Lord aroused in Fr. Joseph Vaz
who was contemplating of a missionary journey, an Asian priest in the history
of the Church to take such heroic step….. To come to the rescue Sri Lanka who
were like sheep without the shepherd. Yes, the Asian Eastern Star showed the
way as the anointed of the Lord; as a dedicated shepherd who smell the sheep!.
St. Joseph Vaz has shown the way. What he did for Sri Lanka is more than enough
to know and understand. His missionary career cannot be compared to any of the
missionaries of the Church. One who challenges and invites us to come out of
our comfort zones and make the difference. Fr. Joseph Vaz proved his mantle to
the extent that the Holy See recognized what he did which they were not able
and failed to do. They sought inquiry about the methods, the missionary methods
he used which they termed controversial and were impressed of his heroic works
and encouraged him to carry on spreading the Gospel message to the other parts
of the country. The Word foretold by prophet Isaiah: God has anointed me to
bring good news to the poor; to proclaim liberty to captives, to heal the
broken hearted; to give sight to the blind; to set the oppressed free and to
proclaim the year of the Lord….which we also find in Gospel of St. Luke at the
handing over of scroll to Jesus were also fulfilled and had come true to Fr.
Joseph Vaz. Prophet Jeremiah says: before you were born I dedicated you, a
prophet to the nation I appointed you. Jer. 1: 5. With this graciousness are we
blessed by God, graciousness that demands sacrifice, selflessness and letting
go of one’s will, whims and fancies!. We love to celebrate feasts of saints
with a BUT! As someone was heard saying: “I want to enjoy life now, when I grow
old I will do all that!!!” strange! ‘Faleam konnem pollelam!’
For over half a million people who participated in the Holy Mass
for the Canonization of Joseph Vaz, in Sri Lanka, His holiness Pope Francis in
the Galle Face Green of Colombo, had said in his homily: St Joseph Vaz
continues to be an example and a teacher for many reasons, but I would like to
focus on three.
First, he was an exemplary priest. Here today with us are many
priests and religious, both men and women, who, like Joseph Vaz, are
consecrated to the service of God and neighbour. I encourage each of you to
look to St Joseph as a sure guide. He teaches us how to go out to the
peripheries, to make Jesus Christ everywhere known and loved. He is also an
example of patient suffering in the cause of the Gospel, of obedience to our
superiors, of loving care for the Church of God (cf. Acts 20:28). Like
ourselves, St Joseph lived in a period of rapid and profound transformation;
Catholics were a minority, and often divided within; there was occasional
hostility, even persecution, from without. And yet, because he was constantly
united with the crucified Lord in prayer, he could become for all people a
living icon of God’s mercy and reconciling love.
Second, St Joseph shows us the importance of transcending
religious divisions in the service of peace. His undivided love for God opened
him to love for his neighbour; he ministered to those in need, whoever and
wherever they were. His example continues to inspire the Church. She gladly and
generously serves all members of society. Each individual must be free, alone
or in association with others, to seek the truth, and to openly express his or
her religious convictions, free from intimidation and external compulsion. As
the life of St Joseph Vaz teaches us, genuine worship of God bears fruit not in
discrimination, hatred and violence, but in respect for the sacredness of life,
respect for the dignity and freedom of others, and loving commitment to the
welfare of all.
Third, “All the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our
God” (Is 52:10) He said, St Joseph gives us an example of missionary zeal.
Though he came to Ceylon to minister to the Catholic community, in his
evangelical charity he reached out to everyone. Leaving behind the comfort of
his familiar surroundings, he responded to the call to go forth, to speak of
Christ wherever he was led. St Joseph knew how to offer the truth and the
beauty of the Gospel in a multi-religious context, with respect, dedication,
perseverance and humility. This is also the way for the followers of Jesus
today. We are called to go forth with the same zeal, the same courage, of St
Joseph, but also with his sensitivity, his reverence for others, his desire to
share with them that word of grace (cf. Acts 20:32) which has the power to
build them up. This is what St Joseph teaches you. This is what the Church
needs of you.
As
we celebrate his feast let us try to do one heroic thing and be a guiding star
to one if not many!
