“Semmassen, please forgive me.”

Life and times of the saintly ascetic- His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymos I Bava Thirumeni (of blessed memory). Commemorated on 26^th May.

His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymus I Bava Thirumeni (of blessed memory)

It was an usual practice for Thirumeni to give some cash as a gift to the kitchen staff (and few other workers) working at the Devalokam Aramana, Pathanapuram Dayara and Malabar Aramana during Onam and Easter. While going to a church from Catholicate Palace, Devalokam, Thirumeni gave his secretary Semmassen (the author of this anecdote/article- Fr Varghese Kurien) some money and gave instructions on distributing the money to the staff members. It was Onam that time. The following year, during the Onam period, Thirumeni and Semmassen reached Devalokam Aramana one evening. After the evening prayers, Thirumeni gave some cash to Semmassen (there were multiple 1000 denomination notes) and asked him to get change for such amount.

Assuming this was the gift for the kitchen and other staff at Devalokam Aramana, Semassan promptly got the change and as instructed last year, he gave the same amount to the concerned staff. Thirumeni, after completing the supper, was waiting near the chapel for the Soothara Namaskaram. On seeing Semmassen, Thirumeni enquired about the money which he gave to him. Semassan responded that he distributed the money amongst the Aramana staff. Getting furious, Thirumeni scolded him- ‘Just do what you are specifically instructed’. Somehow Semmassen was able to mumble that he presumed the money was for the Aramana staff since last year he was instructed to do likewise. Semmassen was very much grieved and didn’t talk much to Thirumeni that day.

Thirumeni had to go to Karaikkal Church the next day to celebrate the Holy Qurbana. Semmassen asked another deacon who was junior to him to help with Thirumeni’s work before leaving. Thirumeni and Semmassen reached Karaikkal church early; Thirumeni asked for a chair and sat outside. He calmly called for Semmassen. Semmassen hesitated and stood behind Thirumeni.

Thirumeni called again and asked Semmassen to come closer. Thirumeni lovingly said – “Semmassen, please forgive me. Please forget those things which I said in anger.”

Semmassen wept and lamented that the saintly father was seeking forgiveness from a man who was much junior to him in age and spiritual stature.

The venerable Didymos Bava Thirumeni lived a life exactly in accordance with Jesus Christ’s teachings-

“Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (St Matthew 5:23;24)

May the prayers of the holy father be our refuge always!

In Christ,

Rincy John

Ref: HH Baselius Marthoma Didymus I Catholicos- Ashrama Aaramathil Vidarnna Panineer Pushpam (Biography), Edited by Elias Koshy Ramban, Published by Mount Tabor Publications, Pathanapuram, 26 May 2017, Page195-196.