Psalm Reflection: The Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle B

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

Throughout every pregnancy and the early infant stages of all three of our children, my wife and I have watched Parks & Recreation.

In one particular episode, the main character Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) is running for city council while still trying to fulfill her role in the Parks & Recreation office. In the face of potential budget cuts to her beloved Parks department, Leslie is unable to show favoritism as a candidate for political office. So, she turns to the person she is running against, and asks them to cover the financial gap in the city's budget. Even though the move will make her opponent look better in the race, Leslie does it anyway because it is a good and right thing to do.

The Psalmist this week proclaims, “Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.” That is why we express gratitude to God: not because we get any kind of reward or benefit from it, but because it is right and good to do. 

We are not running against God, but He is running with us. However, problems arise when we start to run out in front of God in order to be noticed and congratulated, or to be in control. The Psalm this week reminds us that the best things we do in life are not for ourselves. 

Think about the best memories and experiences you have ever had. I would venture to say that in those moments, you were not thinking about yourself at all. Rather, you were completely engrossed in a moment, an experience, a passion, or a hobby that brought you out of yourself.

Gratitude is similar to the word “gratis,” meaning “freely” or “for nothing.” The truly meaningful moments in life are one’s that lack any self-interest whatsoever. We are free to be present and not care what others think. Gratitude frees us to live in the goodness of God, and trust that He will continue to provide for us in abundant ways.

I know that you may be reading this while going through an immeasurably difficult season in your life, and it may seem impossible to think of anything to be grateful for.

You can read.

There is breath in your lungs.

You have enough of a glimmer of faith at work in your life to read this.

You have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, and people who love you.

So much can be going wrong, but do not forget how much is going right. Give God thanks, not in order to fix what is broken or to gain spiritual brownie points, but because it is good and right to do it. 

The more you have gratitude, the less you will find yourself worrying about the things that are going wrong and the more easily you will recognize the blessings surrounding you every single day.

Every day, write down three unique and specific moments or experiences you are grateful for that day. Thank the Lord for each one of them, and trust that more will follow.

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

Matt

This reflection is based on the Responsorial Psalm for this Sunday, June 16th, 2024, which is the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle B: Psalms 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16.