IT’S YOUR TURN, JESUS! I’M LISTENING | KAIROS GLOBAL | APRIL 2024

Author: Jisha John

I stopped at this note while doom scrolling ‘happy status updates’ on WhatsApp.

‘I am happy here, in this cell, where white mushrooms are growing on my sleeping mat, because You are here with me, because You want me to live here with You. I have spoken much in my lifetime: now I speak no more. It's Your turn to speak to me, Jesus; I am listening to You.’

It took me to Nguyen Van Thuan. He has been named  a Venerable in the Church. It’s his words, above – while in prison. A pop-up in my head! Interesting! I had the picture of Peter, secured by double chains, sleeping between two soldiers, while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison.

He slept so peacefully! How? Here is another guy, similar to Peter …  I continued reading on Van Thuan.

A happy childhood. Born to a renowned family in Hue, Vietnam in 1928, to Nguyễn Văn ´m and Elizabeth Ngô Ðình Thị Hiệp, Thuan was blessed to have martyrs in his family who sacrificed their lives for the faith. No doubt, that must have influenced him. He learned about his call to priesthood after participating in a Eucharistic Crusade. He was ordained at the age of twenty-five. After his vicarship at a parish, he was sent to Rome for his doctoral studies. Later, he became the rector of the seminary in Hue. The journey continued. He became the Bishop of Nha Trang, a place in South Vietnam. During his tenure, his flock had a consistent spiritual growth.

Sounds usual, doesn't it? Yes, I felt it a dozen times. But the story changes here after.

Communist oppression was a threat to South Vietnam. It was at that time, Thuan was appointed the Coadjutor Bishop of Saigon, the capital city. In seven days, North Vietnam captured Saigon and Thuan was arrested. He was imprisoned at a re-education camp for thirteen years, nine of them spent in solitary confinement.

What did he do during those years of solitude? He slept, ate and prayed? I’m sorry. You are wrong.

He sent messages to his people using the pieces of torn paper he gathered. Even waste papers carried the good news. He celebrated the Mass every day without fail. He made a crucifix with some wire and wood. Sitting within the four walls, in darkness, he shared light.

How did he stay in hope when it was deferred? No one would wait that long, hoping a reset. But it became possible with Thuan, he is synonymous with hope. He sustained his people in Christ. They were kept strong. Their bishop was at work. His notes and prayers of hope were published later.

Pope Benedict XVI spoke of him, ‘During thirteen years in jail, in a situation of seemingly utter hopelessness, the fact that he could listen and speak to God became for him an increasing power of hope, which enabled him, after his release, to become for people all over the world a witness to hope—to that great hope which does not wane even in the nights of solitude.’

Thuan was released and allowed to travel to Rome. He was instructed not to return. After three years, he was appointed the President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. Right choice? Yes, definitely. The Holy Spirit is always at work. He is the smartest in choosing the right ones.

Bishop Thuan was made a cardinal in 2001. It took one more year for his earthly stay. He died of cancer the next year, at the age of seventy-four. He had a peaceful farewell.

I got it, the secret to hope. It is the same with Peter and Thuan. For the one who has strong bonds with Christ, hope never dips. It grows and grows, each time it is suppressed. It is like new bush shoots from a cut. Time doesn’t worry you, when the timeless man is your bestie. And troubles don’t shake you, when the strong hands hold you. Jesus, I wish you are my BFF.

My hope is in you Lord.