Readings and meditation on the Word of God on the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 16, 2025

Delivered by the Vocationist Sisters in Labuan Bajo and Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Jeremiah 17: 5-8; Rs psalm 1: 1-2.3.4.6; 1 Corinthians 15: 12.16-20; Luke 6: 17.20-26THE PATH OF HAPPINESS Our meditation on this sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time hasthe theme: The Path of Happiness. In our world today, there are many promotionsto make people think about happiness. A store in transmart promotes merchandisesuch as ice cream in various dishes, then the large and prominent advertisingtext goes like this: "Bring Home Happiness". Apartment sales alsohave a surefire way to attract buyers, so their ads read: "Buy ApartmentGet Husband" or "Buy Apartment Get Wife".  Every time we find advertisements that offer happinessthrough digital media, printed materials, billboards, audio, television andthrough social media. Segments of society that have needs or desires that canbe answered by the advertisement offer, are led to fulfill them. If you canfulfill it, your life will be comfortable. Enjoyment is owned and the spirit oflife increases. A life that reaches this stage is naturally seen as happiness.  Most people feel happy when they have pleasure, a goodtaste of food, satisfaction in the company of friends, a goal is achieved aftera big and long struggle. Everyone finds his way to happiness.  All of these paths can be in the form ofpositive and healthy ways or negative and unhealthy ways. It is highlydependent on each person's choice, free will, and maturity.  We understand very well that the needs of this worldare unlimited. A fulfilling achievement does not guarantee happiness all thetime. There is another need coming, and people are trying to make it happen,and it just keep going. So many of those paths to happiness open upopportunities for the free use of the means according to the desires of theworld, and the happiness achieved does not last forever. In other words, thepath to happiness is about freedom of every person and that happiness is justtemporary. There is one sure path to happiness and one that giveshappiness forever, which is the path of happiness in the spirituality ofself-denial. For example, people need to have a spirit of poverty which meansdetachment from worldly possessions, and through this their hearts provideenough space for God. The happiness of this type will last, and can even becomea strength to support their works and services. We need to face all limitationsand difficulties with the strength of God, because He is the one who provideseverything. Living with this spirituality is to live the spirit ofresurrection, in anticipation of the eternal happiness that God has providedfor all of us. Let us pray. In the name of the Father ... O Lord, strengthenour faith and zeal so that we truly rely on You alone in our lives, especiallyin achieving happiness. Hail Mary full of grace ... In the name of the Father ...