Now That You Know This, Happiness Will Be Yours (John 13:17)

“After he had washed the feet of his disciples” (John 13:12)

More than half the world today is suffering from a disease called depression. According to psychologists, depression will be the second largest killer disease by 2020. Depression is the opposite of happiness. In today’s gospel, Jesus gives us the key to happiness in life. “Truly I say to you, the servant is not greater than his master, nor is the messenger greater than he who sent him. Understand this, and happiness will be yours if you put it into practice” (John 13:16-17).

No matter what our position in society, whether CEOs or MDs, we are called to serve one another. Jesus our Lord and Master got down on his knees and washed the feet of his disciples, an act that was performed only by the servants of the household. If we call ourselves followers of Jesus, then we must serve as he served in love and compassion. We are the stewards of God’s gifts and no steward is greater than his Master. The duty of a servant is to obey his master, that in turn will bring about happiness. Every master loves an obedient servant. Every parent loves an obedient child. Every teacher loves an obedient pupil. Cardinal Newman once wrote that the essence of religion is authority and obedience.

It is in obeying God and doing His will that we will attain happiness in life. The essence of Christianity lies in serving our brethren, without counting the cost. There is just one mission that God has entrusted to us - to bring about the Kingdom, the Reign of God in the world. We may be the only living gospel people will ever come across. Therefore, we should live our lives, reaching out to people and caring for the little flock entrusted to us. Not looking for praise and recognition in what we do. Instead a bunch of happy people partaking in the expansion of God’s kingdom here on earth.

“Lord, accept our prayers and offerings. Make us worthy of your sacraments of love by granting us your forgiveness.”