Listen

Jesus raised his eyes to his disciples and said:

Happy are you who are poor because God’s kingdom is yours.

Happy are you who hunger now because you will be satisfied.

Happy are you who weep now because you will laugh.

Luke 6:20-21

Think

It doesn’t make sense! How are you blessed (happy) when you are poor, or when you are hungry, or when you cry? We have been conditioned and taught to measure happiness by what we own. This idea of happiness coming out of less is foreign to us and flips our understanding of happiness upside down.

God invites us to practice upside-down happiness. This kind of happiness does not come from what we have or because of where we are from. This happiness comes from the knowledge that God loves us. Therefore, even in poverty, hunger, and weeping, we find joy in knowing God’s love and presence.

While the world may try to tell us differently, God reminds us that true happiness, upside-down happiness, comes from God’s love. Find ways today to acknowledge God’s love and presence. Go into the world and practice love, being present for others as God has loved and been present for you.

James Blay

Pray

God of love, thank you for your love and your presence. Thank you for helping me understand what true happiness is.

Go

Spread the word; a different standard of happiness is available for everyone.