Cardinal Van Thuvan was in jail for 13
years. The Vietnam Government had imprisoned him without proper trial.
It was only 7 years since he was a bishop. He had a lot of dreams and
plans for the Diocese. But in 1976 he was imprisoned. For 9 years he was
put in isolation in a room without windows unaware of the day or night
passing by. The incessant heat and dire loneliness agonized him.
Beyond them he was deeply deprived about
the painful situation of the diocese and the people….oh! A shepherd
less herd! He was disturbed about how the seminarians, schools and other
institutions were working in his absence. Pondering over all these took
away hid hunger and sleep. He feared that he might become insane.
One day he heard a gentle voice from the
depth of his heart “why do you persecute yourself”? Understand the
difference between God and Godly deeds. All the works you have done and
going to do are worthwhile before God. They are indeed godly deeds. But
they are not God. If God asks you to forsake such activities you must do
it and believe in the providence of God. God could do better than you. You have chosen only God not His works.”
These thoughts changed the attitude and
mind setup of Cardinal Van Thuvan. Excessive attachment towards our
duties and responsibilities can make it an idol. When our duties and
responsibilities become an intoxicant it may be reprieved of the
joyfulness of God.
If we are not able to discern between
God and godly deeds even our spiritual life could shrivel up. When we
think that nothing would work without me that becomes pride. God can work through anyone to get His works done by His grace. None is inevitable to do His work.
It can happen in our family, ministry,
society and everywhere .When we are not ready to share anything, when we
feel that we are inevitable factor we are forgetting God. So, it is
time to choose God again. If you want God’s will to be fulfilled in your
life you may have to forget your plans and positions. As Mary who even
gave her virginity for God’s will our prime aim should be thy will. When
Mary obeyed God she became the mother of whole nation.
Prayer: Oh! God give us
the grace to discern between You and Your activities. Save us from the
character of loving Your works than You. Bless us to choose You as the
prime factor in our life. In the name of the Father, Son and the Holy
Spirit, Amen.