Reality is outside of oneself

There is evidence all around us that proves we cannot control everything: the material elements rage without asking for our permission, houses catch on fire, car accidents happen and diseases strike without warning.

All creation too, strains and groans under the weight of affliction, frailties, and weaknesses inherent within a world yearning for perfection.

Because of this we pine for a more just and perfect life than the one we have, which is riddled with suffering from the effects of all levels of natural and man-made injustice.

This evidence confirms one certainty, which lays the foundation for all of us whether we like it or not: There is a greater reality outside of ourselves–one we cannot control–and one that ushers in a clearer and much larger field of vision.

The inconvenient truth

This brings us to the inconvenient truth that we cannot create our ‘own’ reality.

It is unchangeable and unmovable, and any attempt to create a new or different version of reality results in self-inflicted woundedness and eventual death.

For example, endeavoring to re-invent oneself as a rabbit would rob him of essential relationships and intimacy with people, resulting in loneliness, malnutrition, exposure to the elements, diseases, and an overall failure to thrive.

The bottom line is, the denial of the needs of a person in all cases works against human flourishing.

Two kinds of death

As humans, endowed with an individual body and a soul from our conception, we are able to experience two kinds of death: spiritual and physical.

Denying this basic tenant of our identity automatically cuts us off from the peace and happiness we all long for on this earth.

The fact is, we are made for more.

The world offers reductionism

The world offers happiness under the banners of self-sufficiency and self-satisfaction, taking many different forms.

It promises freedom in limitless self-expression and self-aggrandizement, and celebrates all versions self-fulfillment, regardless of the means.

The problem is, all lead to the death of the soul–and sometime after–the death of the body.

So how can happiness lead to death?

It cannot, because that would be a contradiction.

True happiness is the biproduct of a broader, fuller way of perceiving and experiencing life more abundantly.

We can logically conclude therefore, that the world instead offers reductionism under the deceptive disguise of false freedom:

The lie that joy can only be found in sexual perversion/sexual expression without regard for themselves or others leads to reducing human beings to mere sexual animals that operate purely on an instinctual level.

The lie that happiness comes from acquiring more material goods reduces people to assembly-line-like utilitarian slaves, making them little more than robots, and neutering their ability to exercise self-control.

The lie of nihilism (no life after death) chains them to the belief that they are victims, engrossed in others meeting their demands of what they consider to be justly ‘theirs’. This erases their innate ability of compassion, thoughtfulness and charity.

Christ: the only gateway to happiness

Jesus Christ–the founder of Christianity–instituted a Church on earth endowed with the seven Sacraments, that shines as a beacon for those thirsting for the peace and happiness we all seek:

It helps us to remember who we are, made in God’s own image and likeness.

It frees us from the distorted image of ourselves, and–through the Holy Spirit– breaks the bonds of slavery to the world’s fruitless promises.

It’s Sacraments provide healing from our woundedness and emboldens us to go forward in hope for the abundant life in the world to come.

It teaches us we each have been chosen for a greater purpose from the beginning.

Wider field of vision

Therefore, the Christian has a wider field of vision.

When he looks out on the golden expanse of the horizon, he sees the firmament of heaven beyond.

When he peers into a baby’s eyes, he sees a soul created to live forever.

When he witnesses the sudden lucidity just before the death of a loved one who had dementia, he knows that death is not the end.

These visible realities mirror the invisible ones, and they cannot be changed. And Christian knows they remain forever.

The only question is, when we are gone from this world, where will we choose to reside?

St. Nicholas of Myra (c. 270-343), pray for us on your feast day.