Readings: Baruch 4:5-12,27-29, Ps. 69:33-37, 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 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 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 our sadness, misery and pain are because we turned our backs on God and refused to worship him wholeheartedly. In the 21st century, we have turned to other gods (immorality, wild passions, materialism, corruption, etc.) for what only God can give us.
Our inner restlessness is not a result of a lack of material comforts, but rather a lack of a solid connection with God. Even though we gather all the pleasurable things in the world, make all the money, and become the most powerful persons, we would still be UNHAPPY if we lacked a connection with God. The best we can ever get away from God is a tickling of our senses, but genuine happiness is found only in God.
See how the disciples of Jesus came back in today’s Gospel passage to report their exploits. They were really happy. Jesus said: “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 all our struggles here on earth if, at the end of it all, we are not sure whether or not we will 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?
The Book of Ecclesiastes 2:26 reads: “To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.” Psalm 16:11 reads “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Trust that God alone has all the answers you need. Follow His word, and He will give you true peace and happiness.
Today, we remember St Francis of Assisi (1181-1226). Francis was the son of a prosperous cloth merchant in Assisi. When his father objected to having his goods sold without his consent to pay for the restoration of a church, the bishop commanded Francis to repay the money. He did. He also renounced his father and returned everything he had ever been given, even his garments. He began a life of perfect evangelical poverty, living by begging and, even then, only accepting the worst food that people had to give.
He preached to all the love of God and the love of the created world because, having renounced everything, he celebrated everything he received, saw, or heard as a gift. A rich man sold everything and joined him in living next to a leper colony; a canon from a neighbouring church also gave up his position and joined them. They looked into the Gospel and saw the story of the rich young man whom Jesus told to sell everything; they saw Jesus instructing his disciples to take nothing with them on their journey; they saw Jesus saying that his followers must also carry their own cross. And on that basis, they founded an order.
Francis begged from a peasant wearing an old brown garment tied around the middle with a string, and this dress became the Franciscan habit. Francis began the tradition of setting up a crib in church to commemorate the Nativity. Francis died in 1226. The Franciscans endure to this day.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, keep our hearts with you always that we may always remain happy. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Francis of Assisi. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Baruch 4:5-12,27-29, Ps. 69:33-37, Luke 10:17-24)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu