Gospel of Matthew, chapter 7:12

The Declaration of Independence of the United States declares, among other things, that everyone is endowed with the right to the “pursuit of happiness.” But what is happiness? Everybody wants to be happy, but if you were to ask people today what would make them happy, you would get a multitude of answers such as a decent job; a new car; a new house; winning the lotto; being married and/or raising children. Not one in a hundred, I bet, would say “a chance to help others.” Yet, “doing unto others as you would have them do unto you” is the golden rule that would bring you, I believe, true happiness. It is called the golden rule because it is based on love. We are wired to reach out to help one another; to make personal sacrifices that would bring comfort to those in need; to love our neighbor. A remarkable television documentary: “The march of the Penguins,” tells the story of the extraordinary sacrifices of Penguins in the South Pole to care for, protect, and raise their young in the harshest, and most daunting of circumstances. No sacrifice, and no obstacle to overcome, were too great for these Penguins. That was their nature, and they were true to it. Should humans be any different? Should we not make heroic sacrifices to do unto others as we would have them do unto us?

The pursuit of happiness is the right of everyone, so we should strive to attain it by following the best precepts available. Not many people have been able to define happiness, satisfactorily. It seems to evade definition. Perhaps, that is because happiness is a mystery of sorts. For some, happiness is peace, tranquility of soul. That is not a bad definition. For others, happiness is having power, money, and prestige. The problem with these last three is that they are fleeting; they never endure, and often lead to ruin. St. Augustine says that happiness is “having the right desires and the power to achieve those desires.” I would like, therefore, to offer a number of right desires, beginning with the golden rule, which implicitly contains all the other desires, as a recipe for happiness:

1. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Take as your guide, Jesus, the man for others.

2. Find joy in simple things. Always be grateful for small blessings.

3. Make the best of your circumstances. You cannot have everything you want.

4. Do not take yourself too seriously. To err is to be human.

5. Avoid disinterested criticism, and don’t let the criticism of others bother you.

6. Be true to yourself. To know yourself is the beginning and root of all knowledge. Most people are other people! They imitate others rather than being true to themselves.

7. Do what you enjoy, and avoid debt.

8. Hold no grudges or enemies; always cherish your friends, and be loyal to them.

9. Develop many interests in life because life is a gift. Read good books, and meditate especially on the scriptures because they expand your horizons and feed your soul.

10. Stay busy for a busy person never has time to be unhappy.

Fr. Hugh Duffy

Happiness Is The Lord – Heritage Singers