The Key To Happiness
People have always been searching for the key to happiness in life. Countless numbers of non-fiction books discuss the various factors which are responsible for experiencing happiness, such as good health, authentic relationships, a positive attitude towards the future, satisfying work, self-affirmation, personal freedom, physical activity, the ability to enjoy life, and much more. It sounds like the perfect recipe for a happy life.
What Is Missing?
I believe, however, that even when all these conditions are met, there is still an important dimension missing for true, long-lasting happiness. Let's take a closer look: the pursuit of happiness manifests itself in the desire to experience as much as possible and to constantly seek out new adventures. The leisure industry of our time is more than ready to satisfy this desire. It seems to me that in our highly technological modern world, we are constantly running from one event to another. This not only has negative effects on the environment and the climate, but also on ourselves. The search for happiness often takes a negative turn, leading to restlessness and madness. Even if we manage to experience this kind of happiness and fulfillment, everything is limited. We can quench our thirst for a some time, but the desire is short lived and it will return. Perhaps you can feel it, the desire for boundless abundance which remains in our hearts and souls. This longing, this "élan vital," drives us and keeps us searching. Dear brothers and sisters, that is good and a great aspect of human being.
Where does It Lead Us?
Dear friends, where can this search lead us? In the famous prayer of Saint Teresa of Ávila, she said, "Solo dios basta," - "God Alone is enough.” In his book of Confessions, Saint Augustine wrote, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” Today's Gospel (John 4:5-42) leads us in that same direction. The woman at the well, whom Jesus strikes up a conversation with. She was looking for happiness in changing relationships and had not found it. It was only through her encounter with Jesus that her deep and long-buried thirst for life was quenched. She realizes that here is someone who can give her more than just thirst-quenching water. His water not only satisfies the body but also the soul's desire for love, recognition, and security. Jesus uses the everyday situation at the well and, in conversation, takes the woman from the superficial act of drinking water to the profound thirst for life. After asking for water from the well to quench his thirst, Jesus offers her "living water," which can satisfy the thirst forever. Whoever drinks this special water becomes a sparkling source, whose water gives eternal life. This is a very important point in today's Gospel for me.
God Gives and Loves
God gives himself - God lives and works in us. His love flows outward – seeking and finding its way into the heart of others. This is in fact a paradox of our faith. If you are ready to give yourself up for the good of others, you will receive much more in return. This is where people who drink from the source which Jesus offers, become messengers of peace. These people have an eye and an ear for the well-being and happiness of others. Through this outlook on life, they themselves are repeatedly richly blessed. The divine source of lasting happiness is not easily found on the surface. It is often times buried by excessive and thoughtless consumption.
The Lenten Season gives us a valuable opportunity to reflect on our short-sighted pursuit of happiness and create space for it. By purposely giving-up certain things, we acknowledge that life is more than just “everything”. May we all find joy and perseverance in our search for this divine source within us.
Praise be to Jesus Christ.