MEDITATION TIPS — 3rd Sunday of Lent,
March 23, 2025

“If you do not repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:5).

　The word “perish” is a frightening one. Even more, we may feel anxious wondering what would happen if God were to declare our destruction. However, God, who desires the salvation of all people, does not destroy anyone or condemn them to hell. So who will destroy whom? The clue is in the second reading. “The one who complains is destroyed by the destroyer” (1 Corinthians 10:10). In complaining, we are strangling ourselves.

　We live in countless memories. Memories are part of our being, the blueprint of our personality development. But memories can deteriorate and can also be falsely perceived. In fact, we often rewrite our memories. Memories rewritten with distorted eyes eventually produce complaints. Complaining is a terrible trap that destroys us, and it invariably produces one unproductive symptom: when something goes wrong, we “blame others.” Criticizing and blaming others does not solve anything. You have to think about what you should be and what you can do to solve the problem, and if you don’t reflect on everything in terms of yourself, there will be no solution.

　No experience is in itself the cause of success or failure. For example, when you feel hurt by a conflict with someone, you are not hurt by the conflict itself, but by your reaction to it. “No one can hurt you without your permission” (Eleanor Roosevelt) “No one can take away our self-respect unless we throw it away from ourselves” (Gandhi) We cannot change our past experiences, but we can change their meaning. That alone can change a person. Thus, one is not merely determined by one’s experiences, but by finding what suits one’s purpose in those experiences.

　Instead of complaining, let us now remember what we enjoyed. Focus your mind on a happy event from your past and recall it vividly. Recreate it in your mind. Recall clearly the scenery of that time, such as the weather, the warmth of the clothes you were wearing, the warmth of a meal, etc., and vividly reenact the feelings you had at that time. While maintaining the calm state of mind you have achieved in this way, focus all of your attention on the problem that is currently causing you anxiety. You will find that the problem, which seemed so difficult to solve just a few moments ago, has become surprisingly simple and easy. Then, using the insight and judgment gained from a peaceful mind, you will discover the best path to take next. “By doing so, it may bear fruit next year” (Luke 13:9).

 　　　　　(Contributed by Father Yutaka Akabae)