On July 4, 1776 a stirring statement was proclaimed in Philadelphia: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” No American document has had a greater impact. As we celebrate the Declaration of Independence Thursday, let's thank God for His blessings of life, freedom, joy.
Philadelphia brings to mind an old chestnut about Fulton Sheen. He was scheduled to speak at Philadelphia’s Town Hall and decided to walk from hotel. Sure enough he lost his way. He asked some teenagers for directions, which they gave him. One asked, “What are you doing at the Town Hall?’ Sheen responded, “I’m giving a lecture on how to get to heaven. Do you want to come along?” The teen replied, “Are you kidding? You don’t even know how to get to the Town Hall.” So much for directions.
What wisdom does the Word of God bring to us? The wisdom literature of ancient Israel reflects on life and death -- mortality or perishability, and immortality or imperishability. God created us in his own image and likeness; and we possess the spark of the divine within us. Yes, we have been created to have a relationship with God and one another forever. So the question might be, do we live a God-like life in light of our ultimate purpose?
St. Paul's letter urges the Christian community in Corinth, Greece to be generous in a collection for the poor in Jerusalem. And why should they be generous? Because Jesus Christ is the model of generosity. The eternal Word became poor in Jesus so that we could become spiritually rich with God’s life.
In the Gospel, we are inspired by the faith of two people in the power of Jesus to heal.
One is a woman who has been ill for 12 years. She'd gotten sicker and sicker. In fear and trembling but with extraordinary faith, she touches the cloak of Jesus and is healed.
Another person, a Jewish official, begs Jesus to heal his dying daughter. Jesus takes the little girl by the hand and she arises, is healed.
These people had confidence in Jesus’ power to heal. Imagine the joy of people who experience the healing power of Jesus! As Jesus tells us: “Do not be afraid; just have faith.”
I would like to reflect on joy and happiness. Many think that if they get enough money, fame, or power or pleasure, they’ll be happy. But if so, explain how Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and other celebrities who “had it all” sedated themselves with drugs.
Happiness has to factor in the stuff of life: work with its stresses; relationships with their tensions; dreams and disappointments; guilt about what one did or didn’t do; health or the lack thereof; and ultimately death. St. Augustine wrote centuries ago, our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Yes, the purpose of our life, no matter what we do, is to be in relationship with God forever.
To be happy, we need to master the basics of discipleship with Jesus.
At one point, many followers left Jesus. Jesus then turned to his inner circle and asked, “Do you also want to leave?” Peter replied, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
So, what sort of people should we strive to become? Jesus answers the question in the opening verses of the Sermon on the Mount. The beatitudes are our Christian identity card and describe the attitudes of a disciple. The first four attitudes focus on our relationship with God. The next four, our relationships with one another.
Disciples of Jesus recognize that only God can fill the emptiness they may feel within themselves. That’s what it means to be poor in spirit. An awesome Creator God has gifted us with life. God didn’t have to create us. Life is a gift. Disciples realize their fortune to be alive and are grateful to God for that life. Disciples also know only God can heal and gift them with eternal life through baptism. They are gentle, considerate and unassuming. Disciples, above all, hunger for a right relationship with God.
The next four beatitudes or attitudes describe our relationships with one another.
Fortunate are they who forgive wrongs done to them and let go of anger and resentment. God will be merciful to them ... they realize how much they themselves need God’s mercy.
Fortunate are they who are pure in heart, who have integrity, openness, and authenticity in their relationships with others; they will see God face to face. The 20th century literary critic H. L. Mencken described conscience as the “inner voice which warns us that someone may be looking.” That’s a good guide for all of us.
Fortunate are they who try to be at peace with themselves, with others, and with God.
And fortunate are they who are ready to suffer rather than betray their conscience, who try to do the right thing in all decisions, small and great, that affect work, career, family, relationships, life. Our "free will" includes stewardship or care for God's creation.
I pray that we follow Jesus's advice as we face nor only life’s challenges but global challenges: “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” Keep close to God. God is nearer to us than we are to ourselves. I pray also that we strive to become our best selves, that we live every day with gratitude to God for our many blessings.
