The history of Israel – thereby the economy of salvation – is conjured by a bunch of elderly, barren and hopeless people unwavering in hope and unyielding in prayer. St. Paul wisely puts it; “The members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable” (I Cor. 12:22). The aged may seem weak to us but through the prism of God they aren’t so. This is attested by the advent of St. Baselios Yeldho Maphryono in Kothamanglam, Kerala on 1685 C.E. at a senescent age of 93. This saint proffers a challenge to the mores of modern society that conceives and nurtures a culture of “disposable humanity” appraising human beings on the ground of productivity. The weak and elderly are assumed to find no place in this configuration. Simone de Beauvoir remarks;
“Society cares about the individual only in so far he is profitable. The young know this. Their anxiety as they enter in upon social life matches the anguish of the old as they are excluded from it.”
St. Baselios Yeldho is an epitome of the fact that none is too late, old or weak to be chosen by God for greater things. Our volition should surpass our fears and insecurities. St. Baselios’ arrival at Kothamangalam traversing land, sea and forest, exhibits his unflinching grit in fulfilling the will of God and at the same time evinces that love should be brave enough to transcend the geographical, ethnic and linguistic frontiers.
St. Baselios further prods us to check our lust for power. When clericalism is at rise and prelates seek to protect their office by hook or crook, – to wield power rather serve – St. Baselios relinquishing his office for the sake of serving his flock in Malankara is a clarion call to all ecclesiastical ministers to reimagine their pastoral vocation. The Syriac Treasury of Chants (Bethgazo) comments on the corruption that has befallen the ecclesiastical offices. Qum Faulos Tone 6 remarks;
“Paul the Architect of the Church: Arise! See those who treat your teaching with contempt. You commanded about the love of money. And behold! It is found everywhere today. It has entered the Holy of Holies with the Priests, and many among them are stifled by usury. And you commanded about the Priesthood. Behold! It is being sold for a price today.”
While rummaging through his hagiography we find St. Baselios calming an enraged tiger by his Cross and a coconut tree bending to quench his thirst. That besides people, even the fauna and flora obeyed him and fondly greeted him prove how strongly Christ was visible in and through him (Job 12:7-10; Matt 8:27). Although his sojourn in Kothamangalam was for 13 days his impact continues leaps and bounds reinforcing that it is not the duration but content of life that matters.
Festal Greetings!
Dayroyo Fr. Basil
Urho, The Way 