Looking for Happiness

There is something seeded deeply within us that craves happiness. We know from our own searchings and watching those of others, that this craving is very hard to fully satisfy and often leads us to dead-ends. Elusive as it may be, it remains a basic drive which will not let us rest until it is satisfied. Hans Ur von Balthasar, one of the great theologians of the twentieth century described happiness as "giving back to God what God has given to the soul. Happiness lies in the "reciprocity of giving." This fancy phrase reminds me of the sonorous voice of Bing Crosby joined by Grace Kelly singing "True Love" in the film, High Society: "While I give to you and you give to me, true love, true love." (Those of you who remember this movie will be haunted by this song all day now. Not a bad distraction!)
Since God is Love and shares it so abundantly with us, in passing it on to others, in thus returning it to him, we find that deep satisfaction that "money cannot buy", nor anything material satisfy, for we find root in the very essence of God.
A shining local example of such giving will take place at Central Catholic tonight when students and faculty, who have been working on this since September, will present our fifth Catwalk for Cancer. The behind-the-scenes-work became visible yesterday with set decorations, rehearsals going late into the night. It is a "labor of love", a huge production that last year raised over $30,000.00 which was donated to Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund. Even more spectacular is the witness of the cancer survivors whose presence is an emotional testimony to the power of giving. As one of the "hammy" models, I know that those two minutes in the spotlight on the ramp flashing a smile and sharing the love in my heart brings joy and happiness to the cheering audience and to me. It is in these moments of giving to others, giving to God, that the search for happiness finds fulfillment. Wish you could all come to the Catwalk...but in some ways you can hold your own Catwalk wherever you are.
Bro. Rene