How mistaken are those people who seek happiness outside of themselves, in foreign lands and journeys, in riches and glory, in great possessions and pleasures, in diversions and vain things which have a bitter end! It is the same thing to construct the tower of happiness outside of ou
rselves as it is to build a house in a place that is consistently shaken by earthquakes.
Happiness is found within ourselves, and blessed is the man who has understood this. Happiness is a pure heart, for such a heart becomes the throne of God. Thus says Christ of those who have pure hearts, “I will visit in them, and walk in them, and I will be a God to them, and they will be my people.” (2 Corinthians 6:16) What can be lacking to them? Nothing, nothing at all! For they have the greatest good in their hearts: God Himself!
~Saint Nektarios of Aegina
Interesting thoughts.
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I’ve been away from the blogging sites for about a month and I’ve enjoyed the afternoon catching up on your life and your thoughts. I am reminded (at the other extreme of the spectrum) of someone famous person’s quip that they were all alone and they hated the company. I much prefer St. Nectarios’ perspective on life.
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What a beautiful passage to reflect on in Bright Week! Purity of heart, the happiness we seek. This reminds me of Tito Colliander’s work. Thank you for sharing.
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