Happiness is not a Destination

“Happiness is not a destination; it is a method of travel.” St. John of the Cross

Recently, my friends in the Carmel Cloister sent me the novena of St. John of the Cross whose feast day is coming soon. At first, I thought why would I use this? Of course, once I read about him more, I realized how important he was to the Order. What great examples we have in the Church! Once, at work, a colleague reminded me that keeping company with those who help us advance in the spiritual life are real friends, more so than those who help us fill up our day. Sometimes, going to daily mass can be difficult. It gets cold in my city during the winter months, and it is quite dark, but we want to keep company with Christ. Upon further reflection, I realized the Sisters in the convent keep company with the saints and I wish I could live this intensity in a more serious way in my own life.

“It is Christmas when you let God love others through you.” Mother Teresa

I am surrounded by ‘holiday parties’ right now. It can be tiresome because it is such a distraction this time of the year. I think often of the saints and how they prepare for Christmas. The hustle and bustle are difficult, but the real sadness is forgetting the entire time of the year when Christ came. The days are shorter now, but the light is coming at Christmas. Saints such as St. Jean Vianney who dedicated so much to our Lord was busy. Running around getting presents is not busy. When St. Jean entered Ars, it was a derelict parish, but faith brought it back. People would come from all over to confess and listen to this simple priest. Blessed Solanus Casey was thought not to be fit for priesthood. Instead, our Lord raised him up and he became so famous, that the Order moved him. Our lives are busy, but we must cling to prayer, and this will bring us peace.

“Everyone of us needs a half hour of prayer each day, except when we are busy – then we need an hour.” St. Francis de Sales

Being faithful is no easy task yet we continue to strive to be close to Christ. This only happens with prayer, the sacraments and staying with people who will help us. It is much to ask but not impossible.

“I know that you are constantly beside me, yet I am usually so busy that I ignore you. If you want me to remain so busy, please force me to think about and love you even in the midst of such hectic activity. If you do not want me to be so busy, please release me from it, showing others how they can take over my responsibilities.” St. Teresa of Avila