This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.
Some scholars point out the remarkable similarities between the philosophies of Confucius, of Buddha, of the cream of the Greek/Roman philosophers, of Muhammad, of the Hindu religion, and of Christianity.
All of these contradict, in their way, casual worldliness, and urge their followers to a certain life of asceticism and care for other humans. The Golden Rule is one precept that is cited as an example of something that finds its way into many of these philosophies in one form or another.
If we follow these common teachings, it would seem that we can live a life grounded in a certain common wisdom. Perhaps this way, in living a wise, balanced life, we can attain happiness.
But that is the radical, earth-shattering, paradigm-shifting uniqueness of the Gospel: We learn from Christ that Wisdom and balance bring not happiness, but just a more enlightened form of emptiness. We learn that if we want happiness, we cannot seek it in enlightened isolation: We find it only in a person. The Person. In communion with Christ Himself, and with the Blessed Trinity.
Paul tells us in today’s reading, “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you
except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” Sure, the Gospel message comes with some moral teachings, which include care for others and a certain asceticism. But these are not happiness–they are merely the entry ticket into the building. Happiness is Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. It lies in the wondrous gift He brings us through His passion, death, and resurrection: in access to the heart of God Himself.
He announces it Himself in today’s gospel, where He reads a scripture passage about bringing glad tidings to the poor, liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind–in short, the restoration of human happiness–and states that the passage is fulfilled even as He is reading it (after which He simply sits down).
Philosophy, philosophy about life, is interesting and it has value. But in the end, we must not be fooled: In the end, there is no happiness outside of the intimate, life-giving experience of profound union with Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
Ideas for conversation with the Lord: Ask Jesus what is most important in His eyes from the body of His teachings. What did He come to do for us? How does He want us to pursue happiness? Can we attain it by simply following the moral teachings of the Church, like a sort of baking recipe? Or is He inviting us to more? Ask Him for the grace to discover your happiness in Him.
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