“Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the way of the Lord.” –Psalm 119
All of today’s readings were a needed reminder for me that true happiness is walking in the way of the Lord, keeping His commandments in my heart, and living it out with my life. I have fallen into the great lie too many times that living a life of righteousness and justice is gloomy and miserable, filled only with thorns and heavy crosses. Yes, there are thorns and crosses, but I can’t forget about the roses and the resurrection.
Happiness comes from being in the presence of Jesus. In today’s gospel He says, “my mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” When we walk blameless in the Lord while doing His will, we truly live in His presence as His brothers and sisters; we truly live in relationship with Him and are able to call Jesus our brother and our friend. As Christians, this is what makes us happy.
The lives of the saints were filled with suffering but at the same time I think they were the happiest people that ever lived.
“Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. I will keep your law continually, forever and ever.” (Psalm 119)
Amen.