Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? ‘For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’

I have been reading a book by Catholic author Arthur Brooks, called ‘The Meaning of Your Life’. Through his research, he has found that happiness is created by three components namely, satisfaction, enjoyment, and meaning: satisfaction from our accomplishments, enjoyment in our daily life, and meaning that comes from understanding the “why” of our existence.

As humans, we tend to think that if only we could consistently do the things we enjoy, we would be happy. Eating ice cream is very enjoyable, but if we ate it at every meal, we would feel sick and, in the long term, lack essential nutrients. Scrolling social media is pleasurable, but hours of screen time have been linked to depression and loneliness. This is where meaning and satisfaction come in.

As humans made in the image and likeness of God, we have been wired for love: loving God with all our heart, strength, and mind, and loving others as ourselves. When we put God first and care for others, the meaning component of our lives lights up and produces a sense of satisfaction, which in turn produces happiness. This is a beautiful contradiction!

Self-forgetfulness is integral to happiness. “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

Denying ourselves as we parent our children; getting up for work when our desire is to stay in bed or looking after a sick friend – these loving actions are key to understanding the meaning of our lives. Doing hard things brings satisfaction and, ultimately, happiness!

Take a moment to ask God: what is the “hard thing” He is asking of me today?