Happiness consists in the unimpeded activity of every part of our nature. The nobler our nature, the greater our capacity for happiness. Perfect happiness consists in full activity of a perfect nature. The Angels have a nature perfect in its order and degree, and their whole nature is occupied with the joy of seeing God face to face. Hence their happiness is perfect. So too will my happiness be one day, if I am faithful to God.

Happiness requires that we should look forward to the future without any misgivings or fear lest we should forfeit our present joy. The Holy Angels know that for all eternity nothing in Heaven or on earth can cloud the brightness of their vision of God, or hinder the streams of delight that flow thence to them unceasingly. We on the other hand dread coming evils. Yet why should we do so, when all things work together for good to those who love God? If we loved God more, what we now fear as evil would lose all its power to terrify us. What we now dread most would be gladly accepted by us as certain in the end to work for our good.

The Holy Angels never have their wills crossed, never are thwarted, never are disappointed, because they have no will save God's. Before they know His will, they tend to do what seems to them the greatest good. But they always do so under the condition that God does not will otherwise. Their own will disappears when His is known to them. This is the secret of happiness in this world as well as in the next.