'Dohansha' - One who travels with us

Photo: Fr Barry Cairns SSC

Columban history in the Japan mission is behind this stained glass window of the Risen Christ. In 1979 the architect of the new headquarters for the then almost 100 Columbans in Japan commissioned a stained glass artist, Hideo Matsuda, to create Stations of the Cross for the new chapel.

Hideo Matsuda had just returned from France and this was his first work in Japan. He has become well known since. The 14 depictions of Jesus’ painful journey were simple, full of meaning and colour. They concluded with a 15th scene - the Risen Lord.

Our Columban numbers in Japan have decreased from a peak of 99 to 11 in 2017. Our central house was too large and demanded costly repairs. So we shifted to new Tokyo headquarters using an unused rectory which we renovated. The stained glass works are now incorporated into the converted house and its small chapel.

But there was a problem. The square window shape of the Risen Christ station was too difficult to insert. So now it graces the entrance to Shinkoyasu Church in Yokohama where I am pastor. At dusk an automatic inside spotlight comes on and those passing by in the street can see it clearly.

Let us look at the artist’s work. The central figure is the Risen Lord. But notice well the outline figures of a woman (left) and man (right). Jesus grips their hands and is walking with them. Those unfilled outlines are you and me. The Resurrection means that Jesus is alive and with us now. Jesus grips our hands and walks the path of life with us. We are never alone. In a living voice the Risen Lord says to each one of us: “Fear not! I am with you.” These living, encouraging words of Jesus always have an eternal present tense.

Jesus being with us as our companion on life’s journey is a major emphasis on Shusaku Endo’s three books on the Life of Jesus. Over and over again Endo used the Japanese word ‘dohansha'– one who travels a journey with us. This aspect especially appeals to Japanese Christians. 

May it flavour the lives of all of us wherever we live.

Columban Fr Barry Cairns works in a small parish in Yokohama City, Japan.

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