February 9, 2023

“Happy are those who trust in the Lord, who rely on the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17:7)

NFL Quarterback Aaron Rogers is doing a 4 day “darkness retreat” in order to decide his playing future. All darkness for 4 days. The darkness retreat house does have a food slot. How will he eat his food if can’t see it? He said the decision he will make will be “in the highest interest of my happiness.”

Sorry, Packer fans, to take a pot shot at Rogers, but happiness never emerges from focusing on one’s own happiness. Happiness is a by-product of self-forgetfulness; it rises as an afterthought of life outside one’s self.

“Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.” (Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany – BCP)