SAD STORIES OF LIFE

Once upon a time, we dreamed of having more—more money, more success, more comfort. And somehow, we got what we wished for. We now have more possessions than ever, but fewer values to guide us. We own the latest gadgets, drive shiny cars, and decorate our lives with things we once only dreamed of. But deep inside, something is missing. We became so busy chasing wealth that we forgot how to be good. We spend more now than ever before. We swipe cards, book flights, and upgrade our lives with a click. But somehow, we enjoy less. Our joys are short-lived, our celebrations feel hollow, and even the happiest moments are quickly forgotten. We spend more—on clothes, travels, food deliveries, subscriptions—yet we enjoy life less. The laughter doesn’t last long. The excitement fades quickly. The heart remains restless. We serve more food on our tables, yet our bodies are weaker and sicker. We feast but are not nourished. Our diets are full, but our souls are starving. We feast, but still feel empty. We are surrounded by flavor but lacking in fulfillment. Our houses are bigger, brighter, and more stylish—but they are no longer homes. Parents live like roommates. Children retreat into their screens. Doors close, and so do hearts. Families live together, but love is miles apart. Families are near in distance, but far in affection. We earn more. We climb corporate ladders. But our morals decline. Dishonesty is tolerated. Lust is glamorized. Integrity is optional. We trade virtue for convenience, and we call it progress. Yes, these are the sad stories of our life. We thought more meant better. But in gaining the world, we risked losing our souls. Progress is not evil—but progress without purpose leads to emptiness. Comfort is not sinful—but when comfort replaces character, we lose our way. So today, let us pause. Let us choose values over vanity. Meaning over materialism. Faith over fame. And let us remember: the greatest treasures are not found in what we own, but in what we become. Blessings Fr. Jhack