LET THE LIGHT OF YOUR FACE SHINE ON US

III EASTER SUNDAY - Psalm 4

There is a question for which we don’t find a straight answer, and in spite of that, we go on asking it: What will bring us happiness? In Psalm 4:6, we find that same question asked by many: “Who will bring us prosperity?” (Ps 4:6 NIV) We cannot stop asking that question and we are never satisfied with the answers we get. And so we go on searching. One thing we learn as we go along with many turns and twists: the things that we possess don’t bring peace and happiness, as they cannot quench our thirst for joy and peace since they become burdensome as a daily source of worries, jealousies and envies. True happiness can be found only when we make others happy and it can be fulfilling only when it is shared. We cannot find happiness alone, enclosed in an ivory tower and gazing upon our navel. We cannot find happiness, while others experience disgrace.

However, to the question about a way to happiness, the Psalmist gives an answer:

“Let the light of your face shine on us. 

Fill my heart with joy.” (Ps 4:6 -7)

True happiness is a gift from God that we must ask, entrusting ourselves to him, being sure that he hears my prayer and “gives me relief from my distress.” He is full of mercy and with him by my side 

“In peace I will lie down and sleep,

for you alone, Lord,

make me dwell in safety.” (Ps 4:8)

Only entrusting myself to God’s care, I can feel at peace.  Happiness comes from God’s love in as much as we are ready to accept his love and allow it to transform our lives. Far from God, it is impossible to find happiness, and it will be even more so if we turn ourselves against him or substitute him with what is the fruit of our work or our imagination.

In the second reading, we are told that God’s love comes to perfection in us when we keep his commandments or obey his word (1 Jn 2:5).”Whoever says, “I have come to know him,” but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist” (1 Jn 2:4).

God’s word gives guidance, it encourages, counsels and corrects. The word of God challenges us and leads us forward towards the encounter with God. The word of God gives direction and meaning. We must seat at the Lord’s feet and open our hearts and minds to his word, learning from him and allowing him to transform us into his own image. 

Jesus will open our minds to understand the Scriptures (Lc 24:45), leading us to recognise that he is alive. Then he will strengthen us with his Spirit to make us witnesses of his resurrection (Lc 24:48). He is truly alive and he is Lord of living and dead. To him, we sing Alleluia!