January 30, 2011
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Is happiness a choice? Before I answer my question I must clarify that I am not speaking of chronic depression where someone needs medical assistance and possibly medication. There are times when we find that the chemistry of our brain is not working properly. With this qualification, I'll ask the question again: Is happiness a choice? To some degree: yes! Researchers are finding that our happiness or unhappiness is 50% genetic. We must thank or not thank our parents. 10% is circumstances. For example: poverty, sickness, the death of a loved one -- have an impact on our level of happiness. Yet 40% of our being happy is determined by our attitudes and actions. In the Gospel of Matthew, in his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks about our happiness. Beatitudes are attitudes of being! The word Jesus uses in Aramaic means everyday happiness with a sense of being favored and fortunate. Yesterday during the 5 PM Mass, Sr. Lori enrolled girls and boys who are preparing to make their First Holy Communion. During the month of January they received the Forgiveness of Jesus in the Sacrament of Penance. Three of the beatitudes touch on the importance of forgiveness in our being happy. "Blessed are they who mourn, they will be comforted." Mourning is experienced when someone we love dies but it can also mean sorrow for suffering in the world and regret for my sins. When our hearts are broken, we are more open to God's comfort and peace. "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." "Blessed are the peacemakers, they will be called children of God." Forgiveness is key to happiness. A person unable to forgive (and receive forgiveness) is not likely to enjoy life. Forgiveness and happiness go together. I am happy that you are here today at Mass. Our hunger and thirst for God, for justice and goodness, are nourished at this Table/Altar. Indeed we are blessed!
Previous:
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
