ICHIGO ICHIE 一期一会
Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. ~Luke 24:13-35
Ichigo ichie is a Japanese proverb and in one translation it means, “one lifetime, one meeting.” In today’s gospel, we listen to the story of two disheartened disciples who set out for the small town of Emmaus. Their hearts are overcome by sadness that Jesus was crucified on the cross a few days ago. They had forgotten or were unable to understand what Jesus meant by rising on the third day. Jesus asks them, “Do you remember me?” through his actions of pulling himself close and walking next to the disheartened disciples to listen to what they had to say…
I first heard this proverb through Jake Shimabukuro’s ukulele rendition of “ichigo ichie” about seven years ago. He learned about this proverb while he was on tour in Japan and it inspired him to write a song. I pondered how and where this proverb may be used in my life. I have come to learn that this proverb reverberates throughout the depths of my heart, body, mind, and soul each year that passes by. Why? Because, nothing repeats itself exactly the same way.
One lifetime, one meeting. We get only one meeting in each moment, each encounter, that we are given. What do we hold onto too? What do we let go? For the disciples headed to Emmaus, they were grieving and holding onto the loss of whom they called master and friend. Death does not have the last word and Jesus asks us to let go of death. Why? Because, Jesus shows us how there is life in the resurrection. How? Jesus continually pulls close and walks next to each of us to listen to what we have to say….
Ichigo ichie. One lifetime, one meeting. How does this Japanese proverb unfold in your life?
Tram Nguyen