The Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6:33

Everyone would like to learn the secret of a happy life. We all want to be happy, but sadly, not everyone is. One thing is clear enough. Riches do not make people happy. Rich people can be as unhappy as poor people. Why some are happy and others are not is the question! Today’s gospel passage offers a true recipe for happiness-to seek the kingdom of God in our lives. Then, everything else will fall into place.

Jesus was a happy man. Otherwise, why would men and women have left their homes, their businesses and even their families to follow him? He possessed an inner dynamism that made others want to be like him. St. Francis of Assisi was one, among many, who wanted to be like Jesus, and he radiated total freedom and happiness. Jesus gave us eight essential directives to achieve a happy life. These key directives are called Beatitudes, and they begin with the word: “Happy.” Jesus’ life was not that of the rich and powerful. He was poor in spirit, meek and ready to mourn those he loved. He found security in the presence of his Father. It is to this kind of life that we are called. Turning our backs on selfishness and extending our minds and hearts to the Lord and doing His will are the real secrets to happiness. It was for Jesus and remains so for us.

Television, magazines and newspapers all urge us to think about happiness as material happiness. They lure us with all kinds of everything; gadgets and gimmicks, new gifts and new gear which they promise will make us happy. All these things, beautiful and ingenious though they may be, urge us toward a kind of outer-directed happiness which cannot satisfy the longing of the human heart. Happiness is an affair of the heart and soul.

The happiness which Jesus brings cannot be bought. This happiness can be attained by every man, woman and child who simply puts the kingdom of God first in their lives.

Fr. Hugh Duffy