THE FISHER FOLK OF KERALA

THE FISHER FOLK OF KERALA

Thunder, lightning and rain greeted the funeral of a remarkable man on 5 May 2014 in the parish of Thiruvananthapuram in Southern India. Thomas Kocherry was a “troublesome” priest of the Redemptorist community who had spent his working life struggling with the poor fishermen and women whose livelihoods were being threatened by the large trawlers coming to hoover their coastal waters.

In the 1970s Tom accompanied the fish workers of his parish out to sea and soon learnt of the trawlers. He asked questions and his bishop became uncomfortable and had him transferred. Tom took up law and qualified as a lawyer. By 1980 he was leading a string of protests to force the local government to take action and in so doing he strengthened the unity of the fish workers’ in their PROTECT WATERS, PROTECT LIFE movement. Soon Tom was working on a national and global level to bring justice to fish workers and to create awareness on environmental issues and food security. 

“Rove the streets of Jerusalem and see if you can find one man who does right and seeks the truth” (Jeremiah 5:1). When God set out to destroy Sodom Abraham protested that he was punishing the good with the evil. “What if there are fifty just men in the city?” God agrees to hold his hand if they can be found. But Abraham realises there might not be fifty, so he bargains till the number reaches ten. And God still agrees to hold his hand for ten, and Abraham is too embarrassed to go further.

In the end there is only one just man, Jesus, the suffering servant who “bore our infirmities and was wounded for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:4). Since God has begun this work in Jesus he looks for others who will be the ones to carry the burden, light the spark and kindle the fires that will bring true justice. Thomas Kocherry was such a one and if we look around we will see countless just men and women trying to make a difference as he did.

Tom was a leader in the best sense of the word. He started out fishing with the people, as Jesus did. And he went on to reflect on their lives and how they could be transformed. But he knew he would have to suffer to bring about change. He did not shrink. This call is made to each of us. What can I do? If I ask, I will receive an answer. If I search I will find one. If I knock, the door will opened to me.

24 July 2016                           Sunday 17 C

Genesis 18:20-32                    Colossians 2:12-14                             Luke 11:1-13