Isn’t that Enough to Make us Happy?

Father Solanus Guild Reflection by Br. Fred Cabras, OFM Cap. – March 26, 2025

Recently I was talking with a friend about prayer. I was sharing with him how when I was working in the hospital in Chicago, I would find myself praying on my bus ride into the city. My friend kind of gave me a puzzled look and remarked, “Don’t you have to pray in a church?”. I simply laughed and shook my head. I went on to explain that we carry God with us everywhere we go and God is in all of creation. Sure, a church is a great place and often a quiet place to be in the Real Presence of Christ but we can experience God wherever we go. I shared with him this quote from Blessed Solanus, “What does it matter where we go? Wherever we go, won’t we be serving God there? And wherever we go, won’t we have Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament with us? Isn’t that enough to make us happy?”.

I love this quote for two reasons, first is because it reminds me that wherever I go, I am carrying with me Christ both in my service and my care for all of creation. This comes at a perfect time because this is what Lent is all about, taking our time in the desert to remove all distractions so to enter more deeply in our relationship with others and God. Isn’t that why so many families come together for Easter? Not only to have a wonderful meal and catch up since Christmas, but to share in the joy of our relationships with each other and celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. Easter is the time to celebrate together the joy of Jesus overcoming our sins, facing death and rising to new life. What we as Catholics strive for every day, or try to. God placed us in this time and place for a reason, so our very breath is a living service to our God, though at times our own pride may get in the way. So, whatever I am doing, whether it’s responding to emails, sorting donations, watching TV or eating with my brothers, I carry Christ with me and I am in service of Him.

The other reason I love this quote is because of the last question Blessed Solanus asks, “Isn’t that enough to make us happy?” As someone who struggles with anxiety and depression, happiness can be a challenge for me. But when I can take a moment to sit with God (on the train, in the car, at my desk, during Mass) I find myself connecting to a greater joy and peace that reinvigorates my happiness. There are many situations that happen in our lives, those we create, and those whom others create. Regardless of our reactions to them, we can take a moment to connect with our God to find that happiness. We can hold both our frustration or emotion to the situation and the happiness we experience from God together at the same time. This can be the strength we need to get through that struggle. So, as we journey together through this Lenten season to prepare ourselves for the holiest of seasons, it is my prayer that wherever you are you can experience God. I also pray that we can continue to connect to God’s joy and love for us to get us through the challenging times. To embrace the happiness from God, so we can walk with our strong emotions. I look forward to seeing you all walking the halls of the Solanus Casey Center and pray that you may find peace in our rosary garden, On the Rise Café or chapel. May Blessed Solanus intercede for all of us on this journey.