September 12, 2018 (Wednesday of Week 23 Year II)
Leap for joy
Dear friends in Christ, we were created for joy and happiness and that is what we strive for daily. The greater percentage of people look for happiness in the wrong places, and through false means. It is very easy, to think that having a surplus of the things of this world, is what brings happiness. Many erroneously think so, but often when they come to surplus in anything, they then realise that happiness is even more elusive, than when they began their chase of shadows.
Our first reading today (1Corinthians 7:25-31) is Paul's opinion, as he claimed, on how to prepare for the coming of the Lord. For him, there is no particular state in life that is the best suited, for entrance into the kingdom of heaven. Many who thought the second coming of the Lord was imminent, were worried if their state in life, will not deprive them of the opportunity. For Paul, marriage is not a hinderance to entrance into life, so the married should not divorce for that purpose. Being single is not a problem too, so no one should rush into marriage because of this. What is important, is that people live their lives to the full, whether single or married. This world is passing away, and so a Christian must be ready in prayer and penance for the world as we see it, in its physical form is passing away. It is important that we all seek and work out our salvation, within the vocation to which we have been called. No one is luckier to get to heaven, because he or she belongs to a particular tribe, or vocation. In fear and trembling we must all work out our salvation with the Lord.
The gospel (Luke 6:20-26) is the Luke’s version of the Beatitudes. Jesus pronounces 'blessedness' or 'happiness' for those who are: poor, hungry, weep now, and suffer hate. Even though they are in these conditions, they have the kingdom of God, they shall be satisfied, they shall laugh and their reward is great in heaven. On the opposite end, he says: 'woe' to the 'rich,' 'those who have their fill,''those who laugh,'and 'those who enjoy false praise.' This is not because Jesus hates the rich, but many of those he was addressing, most likely were using their wealth to oppress the poor ones, and were cheating their neighbours to acquire more for themselves. For that reason too, they do not see their need for God.
Happiness is not in the surplus but in the service that one renders with what he has. Your happiness depends on how many people you are able to make happy. When you make others happy, you are bound to get happiness in return; if you make them sad however, happiness eludes you. Make it a rule of life, to make others happy, and you will be amazed at what you get in return.
Let us pray: Lord, fill us with your joy and happiness and help us to make others happy. Amen. May the Almighty God bless you, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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