01-23-2012, 07:37 AM
23 January, 2012, Lunar New Year
HAPPINESS A HOPE OR A PROMISE OR POSSESSION
SCRIPTURE READINGS: NUM 6:22-27; PS 90:1-17; JAMES 4:13-15; MATTHEW 6:31-34
At the beginning of the Lunar New Year, we greet each with “Happy New Year” and “Gong Xi Fa Cai” etc. But is this greeting simply a hope or a reality? I wonder how many people are truly happy during the New Year. The problems of the previous year still stay with them. Even though it might be a new day or a new year, it does not mean that all their problems will vanish overnight. So it is only a wish and a hope. This is why we preface the greeting with the words, “wishing you”.
Because it is only a hope and an uncertain hope as well, most people in the world cannot but worry. This is true during the time of Jesus and in our time. People worry about their food, their job, their accommodation, their status, their health and everything else. Even if they have nothing to worry about, they will find something to worry about. In order to overcome their insecurity, they plan and work hard. Indeed, a priest related to me how one of his parishioners worked very hard to take care of his three children. He took up three jobs at the same time in order to bring home more money. In the end, he died of overwork! Hence, even after all the hard work and planning, life is not predictable. We do not know what the future holds for us. As the saying goes, “Man proposes but God disposes.” So whether one plans or not, whether one works hard or not, one cannot but worry. So long as we live in fear of the future, we cannot be at peace and we cannot be happy.
However for Christians, our happiness is not only a hope but already a possession and also a promise. It is not simply a hope because it is already experienced by those who give themselves to the promises of Jesus in today’s gospel. Those who trust in Jesus and accept His teachings experience great peace and joy in their lives. At the same time, it is still a promise because the full realization of this hope could only come at the end of time. What then is the secret to true happiness in life?
The first step towards happiness is contentment. The gospel tells us that our Heavenly Father will always supply our basic needs in life. In the gospel, it is written, “So do not worry; do not say, “What are we to eat? What are we to drink? How are we to be clothed?” It is the pagans who set their hearts on all these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them all.” Indeed with regard to food, clothing and accommodation, the Father knows our needs. So be happy and contented with what you have. So long as we have the basic needs of life, and truly these are all that we need materially, the rest are superfluous which we can easily do without. So the truth is that God will supply our needs, not our greed. If we cease our cravings for things that we do not need, then we will be relatively happy in life. So it is our endless craving for things we do not need that is the root of our unhappiness and misery in life.
Secondly, happiness is found when we seek the eternal values of life. Hence, Jesus exhorts us, “Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on his righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well.” What is it that brings us happiness in life? Isn’t it meaning; fulfilling relationships at home, in the parish or wherever we are; growth in virtues such as generosity, compassion, kindness, charity, justice, humility etc that make us truly happy and at peace with ourselves? Once we have all these values of the kingdom that Jesus preached about in the beatitudes and lived as well, we will always be happy, since happiness is found in the heart and the mind. A wise person is one who lives a life of love and service rather than seeks to satisfy simply his physical, material and sensual needs. Pleasure is not exactly the same as happiness. Setting our hearts on the eternal and aesthetic things of life raise us to the level of humanity rather than just remaining on the level of animals.
Other things are important but secondary. If we have them, well and good, but they are not essential for happiness in life. Once we value the higher things of life, we will not fret or desire for non-essential things. We must come to realize that the pursuit of success, power, glory, status and wealth cannot bring us happiness. In seeking for these things, let us remember the words of St James, “You are no more than a mist that is here for a little while and then disappears.” We will also recognize that the things and pursuits of this world are transient. We cannot bring them along with us. They are also means for us to exercise love, generosity, kindness and charity. They are like the raft we use to bring us across the waters of life. But once we cross the river, it would be silly of us to carry on carrying the raft for it will only increase the burden we are carrying. Indeed, foolish are those people who fail to distinguish between the means to happiness and the end itself.
Thirdly, we are called to live our life to the fullest wherever we are and at every moment in our lives. Jesus in the gospel says, “So do not worry about tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Instead of worrying about tomorrow, if only we are fully responsible for the tasks that we are supposed to do each day, we will never have to live in regret. We only have to worry about tomorrow if we have procrastinated and acted irresponsibly today. If we give ourselves fully to each day the Lord has given to us, we will find happiness. At the end of the day, we simply retire in bed with a clear conscience knowing that we can depart in peace like Simeon because we have been true to our calling and responsibilities in life. If not, we will have to face the consequences of our foolish and evil actions.
Fourthly, happiness is found when we learn to do God’s will in all things. To seek the kingdom is to say with St James, “If it is the Lord’s will, we shall still be alive to do this or that.” Yes, if we strive to do and accept God’s will in our lives, then we need not fight with God. The crosses in life come only because our wills cross the will of God. But if we are one with the will of God and if we make God’s will ours, then we accept them graciously as within God’s divine plan in all circumstances. Misery comes only because many people seek to do only their will and not the will of God.
How then can we live this kind of life, this life of faith? First and foremost we must imitate Jesus. To seek the kingdom is to seek Jesus and His gospel because He is the embodiment of the Kingdom of God. For this reason, the Israelites prayed that “Yahweh let his face shine” and “uncover his face” to them so that they will find peace. Truly, if we see the face of God, if we encounter the presence and love of God in our lives, we will not hanker after all those things the world is chasing after. Once we know the love of God, we will become less insecure and we can trust in His divine providence. Once we seek Jesus, we will imitate and follow Him in His life of fidelity, obedience and trust in the Father. Once we know the Lord, we can learn to trust Him more and more with the mundane things of life. If we are insecure and anxious all the time, it is because we believe that we can provide all things for ourselves.
Let us pray for the gift of a deeper prayer life so that we too can grow in wisdom, grace and holiness, finding our happiness in serving the Lord and working for His kingdom. God wants to uncover His face to all and bring us peace. But we can be that instrument in revealing the face of God if we contemplate on His face day and night. Only His love and presence in us will empower us to be powerful witnesses of God’s goodness, alive with the people of God, worshipping Him and walking in His path.
As we visit each other during the New Year and as we gather together for our reunion dinner, let us use that time wisely to rekindle our relationships with our loved ones and friends. Sharing the intimacy of friendship and family life gives us the greatest joy and happiness. New Year is a time to let go of the past, of the hurts, of all the misunderstandings we have had over the last year. It is a time to renew our relationships and begin anew. The past is gone but the future is yet to be. So as we begin a New Year, let us regard this day as a moment of grace from God to begin a new relationship with Him and with each other. Let us not reduce the New Year simply to eating and drinking or wearing of new clothes, etc but truly an occasion to discover each other and to strengthen our bonds with our loved ones.
SCRIPTURE READINGS: NUM 6:22-27; PS 90:1-17; JAMES 4:13-15; MATTHEW 6:31-34
At the beginning of the Lunar New Year, we greet each with “Happy New Year” and “Gong Xi Fa Cai” etc. But is this greeting simply a hope or a reality? I wonder how many people are truly happy during the New Year. The problems of the previous year still stay with them. Even though it might be a new day or a new year, it does not mean that all their problems will vanish overnight. So it is only a wish and a hope. This is why we preface the greeting with the words, “wishing you”.
Because it is only a hope and an uncertain hope as well, most people in the world cannot but worry. This is true during the time of Jesus and in our time. People worry about their food, their job, their accommodation, their status, their health and everything else. Even if they have nothing to worry about, they will find something to worry about. In order to overcome their insecurity, they plan and work hard. Indeed, a priest related to me how one of his parishioners worked very hard to take care of his three children. He took up three jobs at the same time in order to bring home more money. In the end, he died of overwork! Hence, even after all the hard work and planning, life is not predictable. We do not know what the future holds for us. As the saying goes, “Man proposes but God disposes.” So whether one plans or not, whether one works hard or not, one cannot but worry. So long as we live in fear of the future, we cannot be at peace and we cannot be happy.
However for Christians, our happiness is not only a hope but already a possession and also a promise. It is not simply a hope because it is already experienced by those who give themselves to the promises of Jesus in today’s gospel. Those who trust in Jesus and accept His teachings experience great peace and joy in their lives. At the same time, it is still a promise because the full realization of this hope could only come at the end of time. What then is the secret to true happiness in life?
The first step towards happiness is contentment. The gospel tells us that our Heavenly Father will always supply our basic needs in life. In the gospel, it is written, “So do not worry; do not say, “What are we to eat? What are we to drink? How are we to be clothed?” It is the pagans who set their hearts on all these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them all.” Indeed with regard to food, clothing and accommodation, the Father knows our needs. So be happy and contented with what you have. So long as we have the basic needs of life, and truly these are all that we need materially, the rest are superfluous which we can easily do without. So the truth is that God will supply our needs, not our greed. If we cease our cravings for things that we do not need, then we will be relatively happy in life. So it is our endless craving for things we do not need that is the root of our unhappiness and misery in life.
Secondly, happiness is found when we seek the eternal values of life. Hence, Jesus exhorts us, “Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on his righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well.” What is it that brings us happiness in life? Isn’t it meaning; fulfilling relationships at home, in the parish or wherever we are; growth in virtues such as generosity, compassion, kindness, charity, justice, humility etc that make us truly happy and at peace with ourselves? Once we have all these values of the kingdom that Jesus preached about in the beatitudes and lived as well, we will always be happy, since happiness is found in the heart and the mind. A wise person is one who lives a life of love and service rather than seeks to satisfy simply his physical, material and sensual needs. Pleasure is not exactly the same as happiness. Setting our hearts on the eternal and aesthetic things of life raise us to the level of humanity rather than just remaining on the level of animals.
Other things are important but secondary. If we have them, well and good, but they are not essential for happiness in life. Once we value the higher things of life, we will not fret or desire for non-essential things. We must come to realize that the pursuit of success, power, glory, status and wealth cannot bring us happiness. In seeking for these things, let us remember the words of St James, “You are no more than a mist that is here for a little while and then disappears.” We will also recognize that the things and pursuits of this world are transient. We cannot bring them along with us. They are also means for us to exercise love, generosity, kindness and charity. They are like the raft we use to bring us across the waters of life. But once we cross the river, it would be silly of us to carry on carrying the raft for it will only increase the burden we are carrying. Indeed, foolish are those people who fail to distinguish between the means to happiness and the end itself.
Thirdly, we are called to live our life to the fullest wherever we are and at every moment in our lives. Jesus in the gospel says, “So do not worry about tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Instead of worrying about tomorrow, if only we are fully responsible for the tasks that we are supposed to do each day, we will never have to live in regret. We only have to worry about tomorrow if we have procrastinated and acted irresponsibly today. If we give ourselves fully to each day the Lord has given to us, we will find happiness. At the end of the day, we simply retire in bed with a clear conscience knowing that we can depart in peace like Simeon because we have been true to our calling and responsibilities in life. If not, we will have to face the consequences of our foolish and evil actions.
Fourthly, happiness is found when we learn to do God’s will in all things. To seek the kingdom is to say with St James, “If it is the Lord’s will, we shall still be alive to do this or that.” Yes, if we strive to do and accept God’s will in our lives, then we need not fight with God. The crosses in life come only because our wills cross the will of God. But if we are one with the will of God and if we make God’s will ours, then we accept them graciously as within God’s divine plan in all circumstances. Misery comes only because many people seek to do only their will and not the will of God.
How then can we live this kind of life, this life of faith? First and foremost we must imitate Jesus. To seek the kingdom is to seek Jesus and His gospel because He is the embodiment of the Kingdom of God. For this reason, the Israelites prayed that “Yahweh let his face shine” and “uncover his face” to them so that they will find peace. Truly, if we see the face of God, if we encounter the presence and love of God in our lives, we will not hanker after all those things the world is chasing after. Once we know the love of God, we will become less insecure and we can trust in His divine providence. Once we seek Jesus, we will imitate and follow Him in His life of fidelity, obedience and trust in the Father. Once we know the Lord, we can learn to trust Him more and more with the mundane things of life. If we are insecure and anxious all the time, it is because we believe that we can provide all things for ourselves.
Let us pray for the gift of a deeper prayer life so that we too can grow in wisdom, grace and holiness, finding our happiness in serving the Lord and working for His kingdom. God wants to uncover His face to all and bring us peace. But we can be that instrument in revealing the face of God if we contemplate on His face day and night. Only His love and presence in us will empower us to be powerful witnesses of God’s goodness, alive with the people of God, worshipping Him and walking in His path.
As we visit each other during the New Year and as we gather together for our reunion dinner, let us use that time wisely to rekindle our relationships with our loved ones and friends. Sharing the intimacy of friendship and family life gives us the greatest joy and happiness. New Year is a time to let go of the past, of the hurts, of all the misunderstandings we have had over the last year. It is a time to renew our relationships and begin anew. The past is gone but the future is yet to be. So as we begin a New Year, let us regard this day as a moment of grace from God to begin a new relationship with Him and with each other. Let us not reduce the New Year simply to eating and drinking or wearing of new clothes, etc but truly an occasion to discover each other and to strengthen our bonds with our loved ones.
HAPPINESS A HOPE OR A PROMISE OR POSSESSION
SCRIPTURE READINGS: NUM 6:22-27; PS 90:1-17; JAMES 4:13-15; MATTHEW 6:31-34
At the beginning of the Lunar New Year, we greet each with “Happy New Year” and “Gong Xi Fa Cai” etc. But is this greeting simply a hope or a reality? I wonder how many people are truly happy during the New Year. The problems of the previous year still stay with them. Even though it might be a new day or a new year, it does not mean that all their problems will vanish overnight. So it is only a wish and a hope. This is why we preface the greeting with the words, “wishing you”.
Because it is only a hope and an uncertain hope as well, most people in the world cannot but worry. This is true during the time of Jesus and in our time. People worry about their food, their job, their accommodation, their status, their health and everything else. Even if they have nothing to worry about, they will find something to worry about. In order to overcome their insecurity, they plan and work hard. Indeed, a priest related to me how one of his parishioners worked very hard to take care of his three children. He took up three jobs at the same time in order to bring home more money. In the end, he died of overwork! Hence, even after all the hard work and planning, life is not predictable. We do not know what the future holds for us. As the saying goes, “Man proposes but God disposes.” So whether one plans or not, whether one works hard or not, one cannot but worry. So long as we live in fear of the future, we cannot be at peace and we cannot be happy.
However for Christians, our happiness is not only a hope but already a possession and also a promise. It is not simply a hope because it is already experienced by those who give themselves to the promises of Jesus in today’s gospel. Those who trust in Jesus and accept His teachings experience great peace and joy in their lives. At the same time, it is still a promise because the full realization of this hope could only come at the end of time. What then is the secret to true happiness in life?
The first step towards happiness is contentment. The gospel tells us that our Heavenly Father will always supply our basic needs in life. In the gospel, it is written, “So do not worry; do not say, “What are we to eat? What are we to drink? How are we to be clothed?” It is the pagans who set their hearts on all these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them all.” Indeed with regard to food, clothing and accommodation, the Father knows our needs. So be happy and contented with what you have. So long as we have the basic needs of life, and truly these are all that we need materially, the rest are superfluous which we can easily do without. So the truth is that God will supply our needs, not our greed. If we cease our cravings for things that we do not need, then we will be relatively happy in life. So it is our endless craving for things we do not need that is the root of our unhappiness and misery in life.
Secondly, happiness is found when we seek the eternal values of life. Hence, Jesus exhorts us, “Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on his righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well.” What is it that brings us happiness in life? Isn’t it meaning; fulfilling relationships at home, in the parish or wherever we are; growth in virtues such as generosity, compassion, kindness, charity, justice, humility etc that make us truly happy and at peace with ourselves? Once we have all these values of the kingdom that Jesus preached about in the beatitudes and lived as well, we will always be happy, since happiness is found in the heart and the mind. A wise person is one who lives a life of love and service rather than seeks to satisfy simply his physical, material and sensual needs. Pleasure is not exactly the same as happiness. Setting our hearts on the eternal and aesthetic things of life raise us to the level of humanity rather than just remaining on the level of animals.
Other things are important but secondary. If we have them, well and good, but they are not essential for happiness in life. Once we value the higher things of life, we will not fret or desire for non-essential things. We must come to realize that the pursuit of success, power, glory, status and wealth cannot bring us happiness. In seeking for these things, let us remember the words of St James, “You are no more than a mist that is here for a little while and then disappears.” We will also recognize that the things and pursuits of this world are transient. We cannot bring them along with us. They are also means for us to exercise love, generosity, kindness and charity. They are like the raft we use to bring us across the waters of life. But once we cross the river, it would be silly of us to carry on carrying the raft for it will only increase the burden we are carrying. Indeed, foolish are those people who fail to distinguish between the means to happiness and the end itself.
Thirdly, we are called to live our life to the fullest wherever we are and at every moment in our lives. Jesus in the gospel says, “So do not worry about tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Instead of worrying about tomorrow, if only we are fully responsible for the tasks that we are supposed to do each day, we will never have to live in regret. We only have to worry about tomorrow if we have procrastinated and acted irresponsibly today. If we give ourselves fully to each day the Lord has given to us, we will find happiness. At the end of the day, we simply retire in bed with a clear conscience knowing that we can depart in peace like Simeon because we have been true to our calling and responsibilities in life. If not, we will have to face the consequences of our foolish and evil actions.
Fourthly, happiness is found when we learn to do God’s will in all things. To seek the kingdom is to say with St James, “If it is the Lord’s will, we shall still be alive to do this or that.” Yes, if we strive to do and accept God’s will in our lives, then we need not fight with God. The crosses in life come only because our wills cross the will of God. But if we are one with the will of God and if we make God’s will ours, then we accept them graciously as within God’s divine plan in all circumstances. Misery comes only because many people seek to do only their will and not the will of God.
How then can we live this kind of life, this life of faith? First and foremost we must imitate Jesus. To seek the kingdom is to seek Jesus and His gospel because He is the embodiment of the Kingdom of God. For this reason, the Israelites prayed that “Yahweh let his face shine” and “uncover his face” to them so that they will find peace. Truly, if we see the face of God, if we encounter the presence and love of God in our lives, we will not hanker after all those things the world is chasing after. Once we know the love of God, we will become less insecure and we can trust in His divine providence. Once we seek Jesus, we will imitate and follow Him in His life of fidelity, obedience and trust in the Father. Once we know the Lord, we can learn to trust Him more and more with the mundane things of life. If we are insecure and anxious all the time, it is because we believe that we can provide all things for ourselves.
Let us pray for the gift of a deeper prayer life so that we too can grow in wisdom, grace and holiness, finding our happiness in serving the Lord and working for His kingdom. God wants to uncover His face to all and bring us peace. But we can be that instrument in revealing the face of God if we contemplate on His face day and night. Only His love and presence in us will empower us to be powerful witnesses of God’s goodness, alive with the people of God, worshipping Him and walking in His path.
As we visit each other during the New Year and as we gather together for our reunion dinner, let us use that time wisely to rekindle our relationships with our loved ones and friends. Sharing the intimacy of friendship and family life gives us the greatest joy and happiness. New Year is a time to let go of the past, of the hurts, of all the misunderstandings we have had over the last year. It is a time to renew our relationships and begin anew. The past is gone but the future is yet to be. So as we begin a New Year, let us regard this day as a moment of grace from God to begin a new relationship with Him and with each other. Let us not reduce the New Year simply to eating and drinking or wearing of new clothes, etc but truly an occasion to discover each other and to strengthen our bonds with our loved ones.
SCRIPTURE READINGS: NUM 6:22-27; PS 90:1-17; JAMES 4:13-15; MATTHEW 6:31-34
At the beginning of the Lunar New Year, we greet each with “Happy New Year” and “Gong Xi Fa Cai” etc. But is this greeting simply a hope or a reality? I wonder how many people are truly happy during the New Year. The problems of the previous year still stay with them. Even though it might be a new day or a new year, it does not mean that all their problems will vanish overnight. So it is only a wish and a hope. This is why we preface the greeting with the words, “wishing you”.
Because it is only a hope and an uncertain hope as well, most people in the world cannot but worry. This is true during the time of Jesus and in our time. People worry about their food, their job, their accommodation, their status, their health and everything else. Even if they have nothing to worry about, they will find something to worry about. In order to overcome their insecurity, they plan and work hard. Indeed, a priest related to me how one of his parishioners worked very hard to take care of his three children. He took up three jobs at the same time in order to bring home more money. In the end, he died of overwork! Hence, even after all the hard work and planning, life is not predictable. We do not know what the future holds for us. As the saying goes, “Man proposes but God disposes.” So whether one plans or not, whether one works hard or not, one cannot but worry. So long as we live in fear of the future, we cannot be at peace and we cannot be happy.
However for Christians, our happiness is not only a hope but already a possession and also a promise. It is not simply a hope because it is already experienced by those who give themselves to the promises of Jesus in today’s gospel. Those who trust in Jesus and accept His teachings experience great peace and joy in their lives. At the same time, it is still a promise because the full realization of this hope could only come at the end of time. What then is the secret to true happiness in life?
The first step towards happiness is contentment. The gospel tells us that our Heavenly Father will always supply our basic needs in life. In the gospel, it is written, “So do not worry; do not say, “What are we to eat? What are we to drink? How are we to be clothed?” It is the pagans who set their hearts on all these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them all.” Indeed with regard to food, clothing and accommodation, the Father knows our needs. So be happy and contented with what you have. So long as we have the basic needs of life, and truly these are all that we need materially, the rest are superfluous which we can easily do without. So the truth is that God will supply our needs, not our greed. If we cease our cravings for things that we do not need, then we will be relatively happy in life. So it is our endless craving for things we do not need that is the root of our unhappiness and misery in life.
Secondly, happiness is found when we seek the eternal values of life. Hence, Jesus exhorts us, “Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on his righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well.” What is it that brings us happiness in life? Isn’t it meaning; fulfilling relationships at home, in the parish or wherever we are; growth in virtues such as generosity, compassion, kindness, charity, justice, humility etc that make us truly happy and at peace with ourselves? Once we have all these values of the kingdom that Jesus preached about in the beatitudes and lived as well, we will always be happy, since happiness is found in the heart and the mind. A wise person is one who lives a life of love and service rather than seeks to satisfy simply his physical, material and sensual needs. Pleasure is not exactly the same as happiness. Setting our hearts on the eternal and aesthetic things of life raise us to the level of humanity rather than just remaining on the level of animals.
Other things are important but secondary. If we have them, well and good, but they are not essential for happiness in life. Once we value the higher things of life, we will not fret or desire for non-essential things. We must come to realize that the pursuit of success, power, glory, status and wealth cannot bring us happiness. In seeking for these things, let us remember the words of St James, “You are no more than a mist that is here for a little while and then disappears.” We will also recognize that the things and pursuits of this world are transient. We cannot bring them along with us. They are also means for us to exercise love, generosity, kindness and charity. They are like the raft we use to bring us across the waters of life. But once we cross the river, it would be silly of us to carry on carrying the raft for it will only increase the burden we are carrying. Indeed, foolish are those people who fail to distinguish between the means to happiness and the end itself.
Thirdly, we are called to live our life to the fullest wherever we are and at every moment in our lives. Jesus in the gospel says, “So do not worry about tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Instead of worrying about tomorrow, if only we are fully responsible for the tasks that we are supposed to do each day, we will never have to live in regret. We only have to worry about tomorrow if we have procrastinated and acted irresponsibly today. If we give ourselves fully to each day the Lord has given to us, we will find happiness. At the end of the day, we simply retire in bed with a clear conscience knowing that we can depart in peace like Simeon because we have been true to our calling and responsibilities in life. If not, we will have to face the consequences of our foolish and evil actions.
Fourthly, happiness is found when we learn to do God’s will in all things. To seek the kingdom is to say with St James, “If it is the Lord’s will, we shall still be alive to do this or that.” Yes, if we strive to do and accept God’s will in our lives, then we need not fight with God. The crosses in life come only because our wills cross the will of God. But if we are one with the will of God and if we make God’s will ours, then we accept them graciously as within God’s divine plan in all circumstances. Misery comes only because many people seek to do only their will and not the will of God.
How then can we live this kind of life, this life of faith? First and foremost we must imitate Jesus. To seek the kingdom is to seek Jesus and His gospel because He is the embodiment of the Kingdom of God. For this reason, the Israelites prayed that “Yahweh let his face shine” and “uncover his face” to them so that they will find peace. Truly, if we see the face of God, if we encounter the presence and love of God in our lives, we will not hanker after all those things the world is chasing after. Once we know the love of God, we will become less insecure and we can trust in His divine providence. Once we seek Jesus, we will imitate and follow Him in His life of fidelity, obedience and trust in the Father. Once we know the Lord, we can learn to trust Him more and more with the mundane things of life. If we are insecure and anxious all the time, it is because we believe that we can provide all things for ourselves.
Let us pray for the gift of a deeper prayer life so that we too can grow in wisdom, grace and holiness, finding our happiness in serving the Lord and working for His kingdom. God wants to uncover His face to all and bring us peace. But we can be that instrument in revealing the face of God if we contemplate on His face day and night. Only His love and presence in us will empower us to be powerful witnesses of God’s goodness, alive with the people of God, worshipping Him and walking in His path.
As we visit each other during the New Year and as we gather together for our reunion dinner, let us use that time wisely to rekindle our relationships with our loved ones and friends. Sharing the intimacy of friendship and family life gives us the greatest joy and happiness. New Year is a time to let go of the past, of the hurts, of all the misunderstandings we have had over the last year. It is a time to renew our relationships and begin anew. The past is gone but the future is yet to be. So as we begin a New Year, let us regard this day as a moment of grace from God to begin a new relationship with Him and with each other. Let us not reduce the New Year simply to eating and drinking or wearing of new clothes, etc but truly an occasion to discover each other and to strengthen our bonds with our loved ones.