MEDITATION TIPS — 5th Sunday of Easter,
May 18, 2025

“Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5)

　The Bible frequently uses words like “end,” “pass away,” and “perish.” Why must times pass and things perish? Precisely so that something new can be born—this is why the old must fade away. From the perspective of the Bible, the focus is always on “newness,” “birth,” and “renewal.” “Behold, I make all things new.” If that is the case, then to seek and live for newness is the very essence of being human. And the ultimate goal of that search is none other than love—“the new commandment” (John 13:34).

　Now, a crucial point in realizing this newness is to always think and speak of things in the future tense. The world is flooded with negative information through various media and social networking services, and we can easily fall into the unconscious illusion that the world is full of bad things. When this happens, we become pessimistic about things we don't need to be pessimistic about, and we fear things we don't need to fear. When we talk about things in the past tense, we inevitably develop complaints and dissatisfaction, eventually leading to the symptom of blaming others for sin and evil. Of course, reflecting on the past is necessary. However, what is needed is an understanding like, “Certainly, the past was like this. But from now on, let's think this way. Let's move forward in this way.” No one knows the future. Certainly, there is anxiety. However, precisely because the future is unpredictable, it simultaneously holds “infinite possibilities.” To draw out these “infinite possibilities,” it is necessary to think and speak of things in the future tense. For this, positive thinking and positive words are indispensable. Through this, it becomes possible to further “open the door of faith” (Acts 14:27).

　 The human body is equipped with a system of nerves known as “the autonomic nervous system.” This system controls unconscious functions like body temperature regulation, blood circulation, and digestion; it functions normally when the mind is positive, and malfunctions when the mind is negative. Therefore, it is more important than anything else to always keep our minds in a positive state.

　 The popularity of the manga Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba lies in the positivity of its words: “Hang in there! The human heart is our source of strength—so the heart can become infinitely strong!” (Tanjiro Kamado). “What you do for others will eventually come back around to benefit you. And human beings are creatures capable of showing unbelievable strength for someone other than themselves.” (Tanjiro Kamado). “I always heard sounds of dissatisfaction from you. There’s a hole in the box where your happiness is stored, and it keeps leaking out.” (Zenitsu Agatsuma). “Everything in this world is beautiful. I think I am happy just to have been born into this world.” (Yoriichi Tsugikuni). “Tanjiro’s heart was warm. The air was clear and comfortable, and tiny glowing beings dwelled within. These were the embodiment of Tanjiro’s kindness.” (Narration). It seems that within these words of Tanjiro and the others lies a longing that resides deep within our hearts in our daily lives.

 　　　　　(Contributed by Father Yutaka Akabae)