How to Gain Enduring Happiness.

Friday 4^th October 2019. Read Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29, Ps.69 and Luke 10:17-24.

_“I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will.” *(Luke 10:21)*_

Today’s first reading from the prophet Baruch is one of the many places where the Bible exposes the secret truth about human happiness. It says: “As your hearts have been disposed to stray from God, turn now ten times the more to seek him; For he who has brought disaster upon you will, in saving you, bring you enduring joy.” (Baruch 4:28-29).

The truth cannot be more than this: only God has what it takes to really make us happy. Only God, who created us has the key to our happiness. “Our hearts are restless,” says St. Augustine “until they rest in God.”

Baruch says the reason for our sadness, misery and pain is because we turned our backs on God and refused to worship him wholeheartedly. In this 21st century, we have turned to other gods (immorality, wild passions, materialism, corruption, etc.), in search of that which only God can give us.

Our inner restlessness is not as a result of lack of material comforts but the lack of a solid connection with God. Even though we gather all the pleasurable things in the world, even though we make all the money in the world, even though we become the most powerful persons in the world, we would still be terribly UNHAPPY if we lack connection with God. The best we can ever get, away from God, is a tickling of our senses, but as to genuine happiness, it is found only in God.

See how the disciples of Jesus came back in today’s Gospel passage to give a report of their exploits. They were really happy and hear what Jesus says to them: “Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20).

Nothing should or can bring you greater happiness than knowing that your name is written in heaven. What is the point of our all struggles here on earth if at the end of it all, we are not certain whether or not we would rest peacefully in heaven? What else can bring greater happiness than spending quality time before God in prayer and having a deep sense of peace and inner calmness?

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, keep my heart with you always that I may always remain happy. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29, Ps.69 and Luke 10:17-24).