MEDITATION TIP —
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time,
September 3, 2023

"Whoever wishes to follow me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

　One’s “own cross” can be paraphrased as one’s shortcomings, limitations, or inferiority complex. Just as a staircase has a landing where one rests, so too does human growth have a landing. That is, human growth is not a steady climb, and when we pass a certain stage, we sometimes fall into a slump, as if our growth has stopped for a while, and we do not feel that we are growing despite our efforts. Such a slump is sometimes felt as a cross, a shortcoming, or a limitation.

　Even in the world of faith, many saints have experienced the “dark night of faith,” a state of tunnel of faith in which one does not feel the joy of faith and everything seems tasteless. However, such a slump is evidence that one’s strength has reached a certain level. Therefore, many people give up at this point, even though they are on the verge of a great opportunity.

　Crosses, shortcomings, and seeming limitations are opportunities for leaps forward, privileges, and invaluable friends. Our true strength comes from acknowledging and ac-cepting our crosses and weaknesses. We must not imitate the strong in order to be strong. What is important is to think about the good things about our failures and what we have learned from them, and then opportunities will unfold. Often, opportunities and blessings come in the form of crosses and shortcomings. If you look at it carefully, you will realize that life consists of both crosses and occasions for thanksgiving. Scientifically, it is said that by looking at things positively and living cheerfully, dopamine, a pleasurable substance, is released into the brain, which also activates the brain and improves thinking. Bright, positive words are also nourishment for the mind.

　The following poem is addressed to people in their 20s and older.

  “There are more possibilities than you think.
　 There are more limits ahead than you think
　 There are more people to help you than you think
　 Failure is not as bad as you think
　 There are less immediate results than you think
　 There are more second chances than you think
　 There are more chances than you think” (Hisato Taguchi)

 　　　　　(Contributed by Father Akabae)