It is not often that I leave church feeling moved to reflection. (Then again, it's not everyday that I'm in Church...). But last Sunday's mass left me pondering on that age old question that has plagued humankind since time immemorial - what is it that we all seek in life? Happiness, I'm pretty sure. After all, we're always wishing one another happy this and happy that.

Father Albert Renckens had this to say: Singaporeans will be busy wishing one another happy Chinese New Year this week. The word 'happy' will be repeated over and over again. Yes, we are always wishing one another happiness. That seems to be what we all seek. But what exactly makes us happy? Is it longevity? Prosperity? Health?

There are many who live long but are suffering. There are the wealthy who are unhappy. And there are the healthy who are lonely. So where does all this wishing lead to? How or where are we to find our happiness? Is there a formula for it?

Father Renckens' simple answer to it was in a collection of eight statements called the Beatitudes. They are like a map of life, a series of directives helping us on life's journey. They are simply stated, but are profound in meaning. They guide. They point. They teach. They show us the values that if followed, can bring its practitioner into a state of peace and happiness. The Beatitudes are:

Happy the poor in spirit (ie. the humble),
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Happy are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.

Happy are the meek,
for they shall possess the earth.

Happy are they who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they shall be satisfied.

Happy are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.

Happy are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.

Happy are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons of God.

Happy are they who suffer persecution for justice sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Coincidentally, an article appeared in yesterday's newspaper titled "Make this year a happy one". The article asks: Looking for peace and happiness this year? The writer talks to "meditation coach" Kong Eng who recommends, among other things, cultivating love, gentleness and kindness in our daily undertakings.

These assertions to happiness in the Beatitudes and in that newspaper article issue from distinctly different sources, but share common ground in the virtues of humility, gentleness, meekness and the like. And I'm very sure these same ingredients to happiness will keep cropping up in all the wise supplications of gurus of meditation and spirituality the world over. Yet, why is there still so much unhappiness all around?

Ohm...