Can money actually buy happiness? Believe it or not—Jesus says yes. In this reflection, Chris Stefanick unpacks Matthew 25 and Luke 16, where Jesus makes it clear: a big part of our final exam before God will be about whether or not we loved and served the poor. The story of the rich man and Lazarus is a sobering reminder: if our hearts are closed to the suffering right in front of us, they’re not open enough to receive heaven. But here’s the twist—modern research actually backs this up! Studies prove that spending money on others brings more joy than spending it on ourselves. So your money CAN buy you happiness...if you give it away to help others. What you'll discover: Why serving the poor is essential preparation for eternal life How generosity changes your happiness right now The one thing God will never forget about you Watch now and start investing in the only thing that lasts: love. ❓DISCUSSION QUESTIONS❓ 1. Jesus tells us in Matthew 25 that the “final exam” is about how we serve the poor. How does that challenge or affirm the way you’ve been living your faith? 2. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16), the rich man isn’t condemned for being wealthy but for ignoring the suffering at his doorstep. Who are the “Lazaruses” God has placed at your doorstep? 3. God forgets every sin we repent of, but he never forgets a single act of love for the poor. How does that truth change the way you view generosity and service? 4. Research shows that giving money to others brings more joy than spending it on ourselves. Can you share a time when generosity—big or small—brought unexpected joy to your life? 5. What is one way you could “reorder your dreams” to align more closely with how Jesus calls us to use our resources? ------ Living Joy by Chris Stefanick: https://real-life-catholic.myshopify.com/products/living-joy-hardcover ✉️ Sign up for Chris’s Daily Anchor for free daily encouragement: https://mailchi.mp/reallifecatholic/daily-anchor-landing-page-20 Help us transform hearts for Jesus! Join the mission as a monthly donor (a Missionary of Joy): https://moj.reallifecatholic.com/ Come on Pilgrimage and Retreat with me in Assisi! https://canterburypilgrimages.com/1226
