Who doesn’t want to be happy? As St Augustine writes, “all persons want to be happy, and no persons are happy who do not have what they want.” (De beata vita 2.10) Augustine knows that is not so simple: having what and how do we keep it so that we don’t lose it? The question really becomes what do I desire? In the final analysis, there is a hunger of the human heart for God, often recognised only slowly, and a hunger for goodness and virtue, also a slow conversion. In God, we find a source of happiness which nothing can take away; in virtuous living, chiefly seeking the good of others, we come to our true fulfillment and contentment.

Prayer

God our true happiness, help us recognise our need of you that we may blessed in your kingdom. Amen.

Kieran O’Mahony, OSA