"Happy are those who do not blunder with their lips and need not suffer remorse for sin." (Sirach 14:1)
Happy are those who do not blunder with their lips and need not suffer remorse for sin. Happy are those whose hearts do not condemn them, and who have not given up their hope. Riches are inappropriate for a miser; and of what use is wealth to an envious person? Whoever accumulates by depriving himself accumulates for others; others will live in luxury on his goods. Be generous with yourself and whatever you give, give cheerfully. Do not deprive yourself of today's enjoyment; do not let your share of desired good pass by you. Surely those who set a day's work before themselves and are diligent in all their ways will not lose by it.
The Catechism identifies the happiness described by Sirach - freedom from remorse and the unhesitating heart - as the peace that attends the virtuous life: not the absence of difficulty but the absence of self-reproach that attends sin (CCC 1809).
Brothers and sisters, happy are those whose hearts do not condemn them. This happiness comes not from perfect performance but from consistent integrity - the life that does not accumulate hidden reproaches that a guilty conscience stores. The greatest luxury available is freedom from remorse. Guard your words. Keep your promises. Live without the weight.
Lord God, give us the happiness of those whose hearts do not condemn them. Keep us from the sins that produce remorse. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.