Reading by Michelle Salim (Jakarta, Indonesia) and meditation by Odiri Meggison (Lagos, Nigeria)
ANXIETY IS EXPECTED TO PASS QUICKLY
The theme for our meditation today is: Anxiety is Expected to Pass Quickly. Anxiety is a state of human soul which is similar to that of restlessness, discomfort, fear and worry. It is clear that this mental state is not positive. Anxiety is the opposite to enthusiasm, optimism, joy, comfort, and excitement. We normally want that the anxiety in ourselves, our families, Church and society that may pass quickly.
Perhaps many of us when reading the beginning of the book of Ecclesiastes about vanity in all things, our feelings of fear and worry undoubtedly arise. There was a story about a high school student, who, after reading himself this passage of the bible, he spontaneously complained to his parents as he said: "Well, why do we live in this world?" King Herod as told in the bible, was also troubled because he saw that John the Baptist, who had died, was alive. He was so anxious and agitated of this matter. He certainly assumed that Jesus of Nazareth was the actual John the Baptist who had resurrected.
The two examples of anxiety as shown in today's readings are the consequences of our own weaknesses and sins. This type is recognized through self knowledge and self awareness. A person who recognizes his own weaknesses and sins with the help of divine light, regrets them and there is the way for him to change. As far as possible, this point of renewal will not only eliminate anxiety, but also bring him something new. The listeners of the book of Ecclesiastes would have growth in their faith, as well as the King Herod was indeed required to see himself the real Jesus Christ.
There is another type of anxiety that is more complicated. This is about our own weaknesses, shortcomings and sins that cause our friends and relatives anxious and distrurbed. This would be a big problem because they are increasingly bothered and affected but we who make the problem do not realize ourselves being the cause of the problem. In other words we don't care that we keep doing wrongs, mistakes and sins. What is even more dangerous is that if these sinful acts do harm our own souls, the souls of others and the souls of many people.
These anxieties and worries can pass quickly only if everyone is faithful and wants to live fairly and righteously. Following God by always being guided in His words is the best way to do in order to achiecve this freedom. Our life must be pleasing to God alone, says the responsorial psalm today. So we not only want to see Jesus like the King Herod, but we want to follow Him, because this is the will of our Father in Heaven.
Let's pray. In the name of the Father ... O God in heaven, make us trully committed to imitate Jesus Christ, Your Son and our Lord, and so we will remain in with You now and for ever. Glory to the Father ... In the name of the Father ...
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