In the book, The Philosophical Approach to God: A New Thomistic Perspective, Norris Clarke recounts a personal experience. On pages 27-28 he writes, “One day I was in a cab in New York City. The cab driver being very talkative, I decided to turn the conversation to some useful purpose. So I asked him if he was happy. ‘No, too many problems,’ he answered. ‘What would make you happy then?’ I asked. ‘Give me a million dollars and all my problems would be solved. I’d be a happy man and could enjoy life.’ ‘All right,’ I replied, ‘you have a million dollars. Now what?’ Then he said he would pay off all his debts. ‘All right, they are paid. Now what?’ Then he said he would buy a house. Several, in fact. ‘Done,’ I replied. ‘Now what?’ Then he got himself a nice wife – in fact several, in different cities. ‘Done. Now what?’ Then he traveled, went through a whole long set of things he wanted to do; and each time I replied the same: ‘Granted. Now what?’ Finally he began to quiet down. Then he suddenly turned all the way around, in the middle of traffic, giving me quite a scare, and said: ‘Say, something funny is going on here. I can’t seem to get to the bottom of all this. What am I really looking for after all?’”
1 Peter 3:15 says, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” Like Clarke, God calls us to evangelize people and to give reasons for the hope we possess. Everyone is searching for happiness and we must invite others to ponder what they are searching for. Our happiness does not consist of pleasures, wealth, friends, or bodily goods; rather, in the joy of participating in God’s Trinitarian life. Make an effort this week to share the good news of Jesus Christ with someone else. If you don’t, who will?
1 Peter 3:15 says, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” Like Clarke, God calls us to evangelize people and to give reasons for the hope we possess. Everyone is searching for happiness and we must invite others to ponder what they are searching for. Our happiness does not consist of pleasures, wealth, friends, or bodily goods; rather, in the joy of participating in God’s Trinitarian life. Make an effort this week to share the good news of Jesus Christ with someone else. If you don’t, who will?