Gospel of Matthew, chapter 7:12

The Declaration of Independence of the United States declares, among other things, that everyone is endowed with the right to the “pursuit of happiness.” But what is happiness? If you were to ask people today what would make them happy, you would get answers like a decent job; a new car; a new, bigger house; winning the lotto. Not one in a hundred, I bet, would say “a chance to help others.” Yet, “doing unto others as you would have them do unto you” is the golden rule that would bring you, I believe, true happiness.

The pursuit of happiness would seem to be the right of everyone, so we should strive to attain it by following the best precepts available. Not many people have been able to define happiness, satisfactorily. It seems to evade definition. Perhaps, that is because happiness is a mystery of sorts. For some, “happiness is peace.” That is not a bad definition. For others, happiness is having power, money, and prestige. The problem with these last, three things is that they are fleeting; they never last, and often lead to ruin. St. Augustine says that happiness is “having the right desires and the power to achieve those desires.” I would like, therefore, to offer a number of desires, beginning with the golden rule, which implicitly contains all the other desires, as a recipe for happiness.

Here is my recipe for happiness:

1. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Take as your guide, Jesus, the man for others.

2. Find joy in simple things. Always be grateful for small blessings.

3. Make the best of your circumstances. You cannot have everything you want.

4. Hang loose, and do not take yourself too seriously. You are only human.

5. Avoid disinterested criticism, and don’t let the criticism of others worry you.

6. Be yourself. Most people are other people! They imitate others rather than follow their own conscience.

7. Do what you enjoy, but avoid debt.

8. Hold no grudges or enemies.

9. Develop many interests in life because life is a gift. Read good books about life, especially the scriptures that expand your horizons and feed your soul.

10.Stay busy for a busy person never has time to be unhappy.

Fr. Hugh Duffy

Happiness Is The Lord – Heritage Singers