Psalm Reflection: The Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle C

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

This is such a simple invitation of gratitude. It is so easy and yet something we do far too infrequently.

Do you recognize that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:16-18), and that the only thing we can claim ownership of is our sin? 

Since the only thing that is truly ours is what separates us from God, it is only because of God’s mercy that we have any chance of reconciliation, salvation, and eternal life. 

Thank you, Jesus.

We have so much to be grateful for. 

Did you eat today? Thank you, Jesus.

Do you have extra clothing beyond what you are wearing right now? Thank you, Jesus.

Do you have a consistent place to sleep that is clean and safe? Thank you, Jesus.

Can you see, hear, speak and walk? Thank you, Jesus.

Can you use the bathroom and clean yourself without assistance? Thank you, Jesus.

Do you have money in the bank? In your wallet or purse? Thank you, Jesus.

Do you have even one friend? Someone who loves you or someone you love? Thank you, Jesus.

Are you generally healthy? Thank you, Jesus.

Thank you for giving me these gifts despite me forgetting to thank you for them so often.

If you do not already have a gratitude practice, I encourage you to choose three unique things every day to thank God for. Write them down in a journal, your planner, on a post-it, on your phone, or text them to a friend. Do not write general things like “family,” “God,” “my faith,” “friends,” etc. Rather, write about specific instances where you experienced God’s grace that day, or small moments of joy that you want to thank him for. 

When we consistently focus on gratitude, our brain makes those connections more easily and soon enough thankfulness becomes our default. If you struggle with complaining, gossiping, whining or negativity, consider giving up these for Lent and committing to a gratitude practice. Have others around you keep you accountable and make you list two positive moments of gratitude for every negative thing you do or say. Whatever you do, I guarantee you that focusing on gratitude long enough will transform your outlook on life for the better and help you to realize that everything you have been given is a gift.

I am praying for you, please pray for me, and I will see you in the Eucharist.

Matt