"The Search for Happiness": Reflection for October 11, 2009, 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Wisdom 7: 7-11; Hebrews 4:12-13; Mark 10: 17-30
Today's Scripture can be found at http://www.usccb.org/nab

Throughout history people have tried to satisfy the basic human quest for happiness and fulfillment in many ways. Increased material possessions, power, leisure or recreational activities have often been used to fulfill this quest. Indeed, the search continues as people seek new items.
Yet, as God’s Word today reminds us, somehow none of these items has ever brought lasting happiness (Mark). Human beings need something more (Wisdom), something that gives true life to one's inner spirit (Hebrews). True happiness comes with this wisdom, as one learns to value what is really important in life.
God’s Word challenges us to evaluate our expectations of happiness and to consider the ways that we seek to fulfill our longing for happiness. After that challenge, we face the challenge to make a change or two in our lives.

To think about:
Where do I experience fulfillment and happiness?
Do I and my family ever try to differentiate between “want” and “need”?
Have I tried to simplify my life by buying less or acquiring less?
Are there simple joys I fail to notice because I am already involved in some future moment?

To do: Grow in wisdom by “counting your blessings” as you are going to sleep. Have your child do this too.
Practice having less by giving money that you would have spent for yourself to a group that helps others.
Clean out one drawer or part of one closet and enjoy the “pleasure of less”. Listening to music or to an audiobook while you're doing this can make the task go faster!

To pray: “There is a longing in our hearts, O God, for you to reveal yourself to us.”

Next week: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Isaiah 53: 10-11; Hebrews 4: 14-16; Mark 10: 35-45

"Appreciating the People in Our Lives" : Reflection for October 4, 2009

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Genesis 2: 18-24; Hebrews 1: 1-4, 2: 5-12; Mark 10: 2-16
Today’s Scripture Readings can be found at http://www.usccb.org/nab

Appreciating the People in our Lives

How easy it often is to take the people in our lives for granted At times, in fact, we may not even notice someone’s good qualities until that person is no longer with us. At the same time, sharing the road of life with its joys and sorrows, drudgeries and delights, can sometimes be wearing!
While clearly reminding us today of our need for other people (Genesis), God’s Word also challenges us to notice how we value the people who are part of our lives (Mark).
Remembering that we are all children of God (Hebrew) can make a big difference in the way that we view people and treat them.

To think about:
What priority do I give to the people who are part of my life?
How might you respond if someone treated you the way that you treat another person? Do I treat others as children of God?
Do I brush past people because I am too self-focused?
Do I look beyond my immediate family to reach out to the wider human family?

To do:
Show appreciation for someone in your life through your words or actions.
Take time to picture someone you know as a child of God.
Look beyond your immediate family and reach out to someone in need.
Visit or call someone who does not have family members nearby, especially someone who is lonely or ill.
Ask God to help you see a person you may find difficult as God sees that person.

To pray: “We are one body in this one Lord.”

Next week: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Wisdom 7: 7-11; Hebrews 4:12-13; Mark 10: 17-30