Catholic Kermit

Continuing the discussion on “following God & seeking His Will” from last Sunday’s readings, I recall an experience. — Last year I was at a men’s study group where everyone was asked “How do you know you are following God’s will in your life?”  After we spend some time getting everyone’s opinion (I forgot what I said), the facilitator (a priest) answered simply “When you’re happy.”

WHAT?!?!  I hate that answer!  (In his defense, we were running out of time and I think he was moving the meeting along)  Happiness is relative and can be found in anything.  Even doing something bad or sinful can have temporary (or fake longterm) happiness … that’s WHY we do bad things … it fills the “God-size” void we have.

Happiness is a feeling we get … and you can’t always trust feelings.  “Joy,” on the other hand, is different.  We get “joy” by knowing we have salvation through an active relationship with God.  You can always be joyful even though circumstances may make us miserable and very UNhappy.

If a believer is being persecuted for their faith, are they following God’s will?  Even though they’re not “happy” at the moment?  Do we fast to be “happy”?  I hope I misunderstood the answer, because I need some clarification.  — Anyone else?  Kermit?