Psalm Reflection: The Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B)

“Lord, it is good to give thanks to you." - Psalm 92

Today I am thankful for my bed. Not because I love sleep (even though I really, really do), but because it has become a place where my kids like to greet me in the morning — a place where the whole family can laugh and snuggle. I have cherished those small moments in the morning and I wish they could last forever. I bet that is sort of what Heaven will be like. Thank you, Jesus!

We tend to thank God for the big monumental things, like when a miracle happens, when we survive a near-death experience, or when something we have been praying for endlessly finally happens. However, do we thank God for all the things we did not ask for? All the little moments and blessings each day that bring us joy? We have earned none of them, and yet God blesses and gives them to us just the same. Thank you, Jesus!

It is good to give thanks, because God deserves it, and because gratitude leads to a deeper sense of joy in our lives. The more we can recognize all the beauty and blessings around us, the less we fall prey to despair, hopelessness, doubt and fear. Having an unshakeable confidence and boldness in God does not happen all at once, or as the result of one big conversion experience. Rather, it is cultivated through the persistent recognition and gratitude for God’s daily presence and faithfulness in our lives.

Everything you have achieved is because of God’s faithfulness.

Every mistake you have ever made can be forgiven and redeemed because of God’s faithfulness.

You have everything you do because of God’s faithfulness.

You are still breathing because of God’s faithfulness.

So thank Him. Thank Him for all the little things, and I guarantee that worry, anxiety, fear, doubt and paranoia will begin to disappear from your heart. You will build a foundation of gratitude, brick by brick, by acknowledging and praising God one joyful moment at a time.

Every day this week, acknowledge every little moment of joy, positivity and blessing, by uttering for each one: “Thank you, Jesus!” Consider writing them down to reflect back on them at the end of the day. See how daily gratitude begins to change your prayer, your perspective, and your life.

Know that I am thankful for you, I am praying for you, and I ask as always that you pray for me.

I will see you in Eucharist.

Matt