MEDITATION TIP —
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time August 25, 2024

“For the husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the church and himself the Savior of his body” (Ephesians 5:21-23).

　What then is the role of the wife? If the husband is compared to a head, the wife can be likened to a neck that moves that head in the desired direction. The future of the husband depends on the power of the wife. It is no exaggeration to say that the wife creates light and darkness. Women are attracted to a man’s strong willpower. Women as mothers are en-dowed with strength and self-sacrifice as well as vulnerability and tenderness. The wife desires to be dominated and protected by her husband, but she also strongly desires to be his protector, light, and guide.

　Men and women are completely equal in terms of social and human rights. However, men and women differ not only in physical structure, but also in the way they think, feel, and react to events. For example, women are in many ways more delicate and very sensitive. Just the tone of the other person’s voice when spoken to, or the unusual way the other person looks at you, can cause them to think about their past sorrows and misfortunes. It is at times like these that a husband’s kind words can encourage his wife.

　Women are also interested in fashion and want to be seen as more beautiful and better than other women. This is the wonderful thing about women, and this desire brings light and warmth to the family, society, and the church. Men need to understand this. Women also value very small things, and they desire to see love and interest for these things. It is im-portant not only to think about it, but to express it in words. In particular, the words that must always be said out loud are “thank you” and “I’m sorry.” These two words, “thank you” and “I’m sorry,” become a reality only when they are said out loud.

　However, men also have their say. Wives should understand that even if their husbands are good and faithful, they can sometimes be insensitive and prone to being absentminded. This is true for men all over the world, but when a husband truly loves his wife, he feels that she and he are one and the same. That is why he sometimes may forget to pay special attention to his wife. Thus, if he doesn’t say “thank you” or “this is delicious” from time to time, it doesn’t mean he is ignoring his wife.

　Please understand that men are actually much weaker than they appear and are more prone to emotional tension than women at work and other occasions. Men really need the ten-derness and love of their wives, even if they are in a position that is greatly valued in society. Women can live on their own upon reaching financial independence, whereas men, when they reach old age or become ill, may not be able to cope with these situations. “Everything is paid for with money. But love is paid only by love.” (Spanish proverb) Finally, women cherish various anniversaries, but the anniversaries that a husband should never forget are “his wife’s birthday” and “their wedding anniversary”. Best regards.

 　　　　　(Contribution by Father Akabae)