June 22, 2005
What will make us happy and fulfilled? What is the best, greatest, most amazing and wonderful thing to be desired in life: perfect physical health and stunning looks, unimaginable amounts of money, cigarette trees, lakes of beer, unprecedented fame and popularity, power and prestige, various incredible mental and physical abilities, a fleet of fast cars, boats and motorcycles, a huge mansion in an exclusive neighborhood? NO!
Aren’t these the temptations which the devil offered to Jesus and still offers to us? (see Matthew 4:8-9 and 1 John 2:15-17) Worldly desires and the lure of riches are like thorns that choke the growth of God’s word in our souls (see Matthew 13:22). Jesus said, “What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and lose his soul”? (Matthew 16:26) He also taught, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33)
Are we not all looking for happiness and fulfillment? This is the case even when we sin (looking for love in all the wrong places). Let us not settle for less than what we truly desire. Father-God knows best. Trust in Him.
God bless you; let us pray for each other,
Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR
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