Sunday, February 5, 2012

Reflection for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/020512.cfm


In the first reading, Job complains about how miserable and unhappy life can be; and in the Gospel, Jesus frees people from their misery and unhappiness by healing their sicknesses and ridding them of demons.

Jesus is the answer to our unhappiness.  He is the one for whom our hearts crave.  However, Jesus only gives us imperfect happiness (happiness with a mixture of suffering) in this life.  He will give us perfect happiness (happiness without any suffering) in heaven.  

One reason why we cannot experience perfect happiness in this life is because the effects of original sin (namely concupiscence, a weakened intellect, and an aging body) remain and make perfect happiness impossible.

Another reason why perfect happiness cannot be had in this life is because it only comes from the beatific vision (seeing God face-to-face), which can only occur in heaven.

In this life, Jesus gives us a joy and peace that are a foretaste of the perfect happiness we will experience in heaven and that far surpass the joy and peace the world can give.

May God use the imperfect happiness we experience in this life to create a deeper longing in us for the perfect happiness we will receive when we see him face-to-face in glory.

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