Sept 22: What Makes You Happy?

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

St. James message of peace is as true now as it was two thousand years ago. Where else do wars and terrorism come from, than people holding on to wealth, power, or hatred? But the message James shares, and that of Jesus in the gospel, is a simple call to be different. Neither of them condemns anyone. They call us to look at what we really want and what truly brings happiness. 

Jesus’ disciples argued about who was greatest. Instead of slapping them down for their selfish pride, he looks at what they could be and calls them to a different attitude. To be truly happy, they must let go of pride and arrogance; they must learn that serving others is the only way to experience love and joy. 

We are no different today. We have to learn that having the latest gadget, the most expensive cell-phone, or the latest-model car are at best temporary delights. And that being admired by acquaintances is never as lasting as loving someone for themselves. Jesus offers even more: the joy of being loved by God and helping others to know Him. Think about Jesus’ words to the disciples: He is the Son of God, yet he wants to lead us not just to himself, but to the Father.

Can we learn to be more excited about what God has done for us than what we did to improve our home? Can we share our faith in God’s mercy instead of bragging about our golf or bowling scores? Are we more interested in impressing members of the opposite sex, or treating all people with respect?

St. James ends our second reading with a challenging statement: He says we ask but don’t receive because we ask wrongly. How often do we desire things that won’t really make us happy? Do we pray for things we don’t really need? Would we ask God to punish those who hurt us, or to help us forgive them? Let us ask God to show us his love and to help those around us to experience it too. 

Tom Schmidt