When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
'Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you
    and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
    Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven,
    for in the same way they persecuted the prophets
    who were before you.
  Matthew 5:1-12 (NRSV)

Everyone strives to be "happy," but everyone has a different idea of what the word means. Many pursue money, power, and position, as a means to happiness. Others see physical exercise as the key to a pleasant life. Still others seek more spiritual goals in prayer and meditation.
 
In each case, the pursuit of happiness has a cost. What will people sacrifice for happiness? For Matthew, happiness meant "being blessed". The cost was reputation and the danger for persecution. The reward was the Kingdom.
 
I read a children’s story about a little puppy that I think innocently sums up today’s gospel lesson.
 
This little puppy noticed that whenever he was happy, his tail wagged, so they thought he had found the secret to happiness. One day he shared the secret of happiness with an older dog. He said, "I have learned that the best thing for a dog is happiness, and that happiness is in my tail. So I am going to chase my tail; and when I catch it, I shall have happiness!" The old dog replied, "I too, believe that happiness is a marvelous thing for a dog, and that happiness is in my tail. But I have noticed that when I chase it, my tail keeps running away from me; but when I go about my business, it follows me wherever I go."
 
The Bible says a lot about being happy. It doesn't say, "Happy are they who have a lot of money" or "Happy are they who live in big houses and drive fancy cars." It doesn't even say, "Happy are they who only have good things happen to them." What the Bible does say is, "Happy are the merciful, happy are the peacemakers, and happy are the pure in heart." The Bible also says, “Happy is he who trusts in the Lord.” Many of us are like that little puppy chasing his tail -- trying to find true happiness that is always just out of our reach. What we need to do is learn that if we will just go about our business and trust in the Lord, and happiness will follow us wherever we go. Happiness is not brought about by what happens to us, it is brought about by what happens within us.

Dear Lord, help us to place our trust in you so that we may experience the happiness that only you can bring. Amen.