Richard Rohr: How to be Happy

Sell all your possessions. Fast every week. Pray every day.

You'd expect a man of God who has taken vows of poverty and chastity to prescribe these sorts of things for those who want to be happy. But Richard Rohr, a Franciscan friar and Catholic priest whose latest book examines the life and message of St Francis, doesn't reduce happiness to a formula or religious magic bullet.

Instead, the author, speaker and influence on the likes of Brian McLaren and Rob Bell says that happiness is "always an inside job". In this short exclusive video for ChristianToday, Father Richard says that the next drink or meal can never be a source of true happiness and even challenges us to consider whether the question, "how can I be happy?" is the best one to ask.

Pope Francis also recently revealed his top ten secrets to happiness but we think you'll find Father Richard's advice simpler and even more challenging.

related articles
What does it mean to be happy?
What does it mean to be happy?

What does it mean to be happy?

Clergy happiness: \'It\'s the faith and hope that keep us going\'
Clergy happiness: 'It's the faith and hope that keep us going'

Clergy happiness: 'It's the faith and hope that keep us going'

Kay Warren: Health and wealth will ruin you but so will following Jesus
Kay Warren: Health and wealth will ruin you but so will following Jesus

Kay Warren: Health and wealth will ruin you but so will following Jesus

\'Please stop\': tearful Pope Francis pleads for peace
'Please stop': tearful Pope Francis pleads for peace

'Please stop': tearful Pope Francis pleads for peace

News
Kemi Badenoch calls for end to trans 'witch-hunt' in the NHS
Kemi Badenoch calls for end to trans 'witch-hunt' in the NHS

Christian nurse Jennifer Melle was suspended after referring to a female-identifying convicted paedophile with male pronouns.

EU Special Envoy for religious freedom finally appointed
EU Special Envoy for religious freedom finally appointed

Some feel the EU has been dragging its feet on the issue of religious freedom.

Trump shares letter from Franklin Graham telling him to accept Jesus as his Saviour
Trump shares letter from Franklin Graham telling him to accept Jesus as his Saviour

President Donald Trump shared a letter on Palm Sunday that had been sent to him by evangelist Franklin Graham last October, which urged him to seriously consider his eternal state, accept Jesus Christ as his Saviour and cease trusting in his own works if he hopes to go to Heaven.

Court hearing for pastor's alleged abortion zone breach postponed
Court hearing for pastor's alleged abortion zone breach postponed

Pastor Clive Johnston preached at an open-air service within 100 metres of an abortion facility.