Remain in Gratitude

by David Lins  |  10/08/2023  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

In chapter 4 of Philippians, we find one of the most beautiful and reassuring excerpts found anywhere in the Bible. I’d like to highlight it here so you don’t miss it as it is this weekend’s second reading.

“Brothers and sisters: have no anxiety at all.”

Ha! Those words obviously weren’t writen in 2023! No anxiety? How is that even possible?!

“...by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.”

Oh. Okay. So pray and ask for what I need. Remain in gratitude. Be vulnerable with God. I guess I can try. But I’ve been around long enough to know that God doesn’t always answer my prayers in the particular ways I’d prefer. What will happen if I’m vulnerable with my wants, but grateful for what I’m given?

“Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Ahh! So a peace beyond understanding will settle upon me and guard my heart and mind? Sign me up for being vulnerable with my wants, but grateful for what I get! But… gratitude isn’t easy these days. All I see are the blessings other people have that I don’t. It’s all over television, social media, the radio… it’s everywhere! So how can I remain in gratitude?

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Okay. Focus my thoughts on you and the wonderful things you’ve made that are part of my life already. Don’t waste mental energy on things beyond my control. I can do that. Any last advice?

“Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.”

Sounds perfect, Lord. Count me in.