Only One Boy

Recently, a class of sixth-graders was asked whether they could ever be truly happy.
Astoundingly, almost every child concluded that while they desired true and lasting happiness, it is impossible ever to attain it.
One child concluded that we should just stop desiring happiness.
One boy alone had hope.
His response to the questins was a resounding ,"Yes!"
He was also the only child who made reference to Christ.
He alone among his peers expressed confidence that he could be truly happy.
He wrote, "If my desire is infinite, the one necessary thing is God."
With the simplicity of a child he said, "No earthly thing can truly make us eternally happy, except for the Eucharist, which is still God."
That same week, Pope Benedict XVI said, "Only in reference to God's love which is revealed in Jesus Christ can man find the meaning of his existence and live in hope."
"As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, 'Son of David, have pity on us!'"
The presence of Christ awakenedin those two men a hope of happiness.
Into their darkness, Christ's presence provoked a cry of hope.
Their eyes were opened.
Theirs was not the sob of nihilism, but the cry of hope.
Only one boy in the class said, "Christ."
He alone had hope.

-- Father David Barnes

Loving Father, let me never doubt the happiness that you
make real in my life through the gift of your Son.