“And Then What?” Fulton Sheen on Contentment Contingencies, by Derek Rotty

“If I could move into that neighborhood, then I would be content.”

“If I could become friends with that person, then I would be content.”

“If I could travel to that place and eat at that restaurant, then I would be content.”

“If I could get that job and make that much money, then I would be content.”

“If I could be in a position of influence where people listen to me, then I would be content.”

“If my kids would listen to me or my neighbor would respect me, then I would be content.”

These are contingencies of contentment, statements we make thinking of the possibility of happiness and joy. For most of our lives, so far as we can remember, a seemingly infinite litany of these statements infiltrates our thoughts and desires. Many, if not most, of us exhibit a proclivity to not being or remaining content, because, you know, “the grass is always greener.” But how do these contingencies affect our interior spiritual lives, our families, our broader communities, our jobs? …

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