March 1, Tuesday Weekday

To the upright I will show the saving power of God. — Psalm 50:23 

Mass Readings: Sirach 35:1-12 / Mark 10:28-31 

Gratitude Heals Relationships 

I’d been experiencing rough times, hearing lots of bad news, and it was adversely affecting me. In prayer, at Mass, in daily living, I felt numb, dead inside, increasingly distant from God and others. Then I read an article by a priest who asserted that ingratitude is the root cause of many damaged relationships. That was a ‘‘light bulb’’ moment. I realized I’d been focusing on what was wrong and losing touch with what was right. Counting my blessings was healing, restorative. 

Today’s reading from Sirach tells us to give to God as He has given to us: generously. One of the foremost gifts we can offer God is thanksgiving. Gratitude revitalizes our relationship with Him and with our neighbors, and each day it’s a healthy necessity to dole out an abundant portion. 

Prayer: Merciful Lord, deliver me when I let bad news overshadow the Good News surrounding me.