In the May 16-30 issue of Light of Truth the article on Romero contextualizing him to the Indian situation is challenging and thought provoking. Bishop Romero was a true follower of Christ who lived the word of God according to the prompting of the Spirit in the manner of the early Christians. The author of this article, Fr. Cedric Prakash, has brought it out it in a very appealing manner. The last homily Bishop Romero delivered explaining the Gospel passage is very meaningful, and touching the core of his commitment to the crucified one. He says – as quoted in the article – “you have just heard Christ’s Gospel, that one must not love oneself so much as to avoid getting involved in the risks of life which history demands of us, that those who would avoid the danger will lose their life, while those who out of love for Christ give themselves to the service of others will live, like the grain of wheat that dies, but only apparently. If it did not die, it would remain alone”. Archbishop Romero became the grain of wheat that fell down in order to grow and fructify in eternity and at the same time remain a source of inspiration through his memories here on earth. In the modern era it is very rare that a Bishop coming down unto the earth and become a true witness of the Gospel without playing diplomacy and politics.
I do not deny the fact that many religious women and priests are working in the remote areas of Africa, Latin America, India and in some other Asian countries as missionaries fighting against the unjust social systems like drug, child labour, human trafficking and ecological violence supported by the political mafia. Many a Christian social activists are working day and night for the promotion of justice and equitable human dignity.
In India many of the Missionaries are working not only for propagation of Christian faith but also in the villages and the places where social and personal justice is denied. It is the spirit of Jesus and the prophets that motivate people to work selflessly for human dignity, social justice and uplifting of the downtrodden from the calculated slavery of feudalists. This kind of social reform and relieving the helpless from the yoke of the powerful are unacceptable to the powerful who enjoy the privilege of abusing the system. Fr. Stan Swamy, lived and died for the cause of the Dalit and marginalized. Sr. (Blessed) Rani Maria tried her level best even risking her life to stand for social justice and became a victim of the feudal power. According to me every parish priest and all most all the religious sisters are selflessly offering their life for the poor, victims of unjust systems, and anti-social and anti-human activities. A big salute to all those people who work for the voiceless and becoming voice for them…
- By Little Flower, Hesed
