MEDITATION TIPS Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ,
June 22, 2025

“You give them something to eat.” (Luke 9:13)

　For five thousand people, five loaves of bread and two fish are almost nothing. Yet, even when it seems like nothing, Jesus asks for his disciples’ cooperation. This is because, no matter how small, God cannot complete his work without human cooperation.

　It’s often said that the current world situation closely resembles that of 100 years ago. Historically, the general public tended not to think for themselves, instead entrusting everything to politicians as circumstances dictated. As countries fell behind in the wave of capitalism, were exhausted by war, and their political economies were in disarray due to massive unemployment and other factors, a sense of anxiety spread among the general populace. This led to a phenomenon where people yearned for charismatic leaders who could revolutionize the nation and pull it forward powerfully. Both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union emerged under such conditions. This created a national structure composed of masses who didn't think for themselves but uncritically followed what passionately supported politicians said. However, to avoid repeating such history and resist totalitarianism, each citizen must think independently, speak voluntarily, and discuss together in public spaces—this is the true nature of politics.

　“The secret of the future is in the past. We instinctively know that the secret of our future lies in our history. Change is the only eternal.” (Okakura Tenshin) In other words, hints for exploring the future are found in past history. Live in the ever-changing present; there lies eternity. This is a condensed wisdom for us who face an uncertain future.

　In his inaugural address, President Kennedy powerfully declared, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: Ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”

　There’s a story about Mother Teresa visiting a lonely elderly man. She found a beautiful lamp in his dusty room. “Why don’t you light this lamp?” she asked. “No one ever comes to see me, so there’s no need to light it,” he replied. “Will you light it if the sisters visit you?” she inquired. “I’ll light it if I hear people’s voices,” he said. Later, Mother Teresa received a message: “The lamp you lit for me is still burning.” That’s why Mother Teresa said, “To keep the lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.”

　Even if the world seems full of bad things right now, society continues to function because countless kind-hearted people work selflessly. Long ago, the slogan “Instead of complaining about the darkness, let’s take the initiative to light a lamp” was commonly seen in public spaces. This is an eternally valid message. The word “patriotism” is currently being misused around the world. However, the following words are true: “When everyone works for everyone else, that is true patriotism.” (Helen Keller)

Therefore, “You give them something to eat.”

 　　　　　(Contributed by Father Yutaka Akabae)