Sunday, February 16, 2025

In an article entitled “The American Fairy Tale,” Dr. Darold Treffert presented five ways that people search for happiness but that actually lead to mental illness:

• Things (the more you have, the happier you will be)
• What you do (the more you produce and earn, the happier you will be)
• Being the same as others (happiness is fitting in and being accepted)
• Having no problems (happiness is being carefree)
• Having electronic gadgets (happiness is losing myself online)

 
His point is this: when we look for happiness and meaning in life through these means, we are ultimately doomed to failure. 
 
Luke makes the same point in his presentation of the Beatitudes in this weekend’s Gospel.  He says woe to those who rely on being rich, on satisfying their physical needs (who are filled now), on being carefree (who laugh now), on fitting in (when all speak well of you).  As Dr. Treffert said, relying on these things for happiness is a dead end.  They might bring happiness in the moment, but in the long term they lead to emptiness.
 
It does not mean having money is bad.  We need to take care of our needs.  We need to have meaningful relationships and belong to groups.  The problem is when they become our number one priority, rather than trust in God and awareness of the needs of others.
 
The Beatitudes are a blueprint for a Christian life.  They invite us to use the gifts God has given us, the gifts of life, time, talent, and treasure, not only for ourselves, but also for the welfare of others, especially those most in need.  When we can do that, we will be more authentically happy, both now and in eternity.  That is the wisdom of the Gospel.  God bless.
 
Church sign of the week: The only time you should look in your neighbor’s bowl is to make sure they have enough.