If you asked yourself: "Am I happy?", what would be an honest answer? Many people are more busy than blessed (see Hg 1:6), more stuffed than nourished, and more jaded than exhilarated (see Hg 1:6). The more stuff they get, the more empty they become. They have holes in their pockets and, worse than that, holes in their hearts (see Hg 1:6).
We will be happy if we forget our pleasures and try to give God pleasure. We give Him pleasure by seeking first His kingdom (Mt 6:33) and building His house, the Church (Hg 1:8). When we do this, He gives us a share in His pleasures, which truly make us happy. A selfish, pleasure-seeking life is a lonely, compulsive life. A life of giving God pleasure is a life of love and communion.
Happiness is refusing to enjoy pleasures alone, without God. Happiness is giving Him pleasure and sharing only in His pleasures.
| PRAYER: | Father, take pleasure in me. "Pleasing to Him be my theme; I will be glad in the Lord" (Ps 104:34). |
| PROMISE: | "For the Lord loves His people, and He adorns the lowly with victory. Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy upon their couches; let the high praises of God be in their throats." –Ps 149:4-6 |
| PRAISE: | Linda has learned to offer all she does for God's glory, whether it be her service to the poor or an evening shared with friends. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College