Fr. Mike's Gospel Reflection for - Sunday, October 4, 2026

“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests

known to God.”

Paul’s letter to the Philippians encourages us to give thanks.  He tells us that we should begin prayer with “An attitude of gratitude.”  How different would our lives be if we did not wait for the outcome of prayer to be thankful, but, instead, were actually thankful just to have the opportunity to pray?  If we approach prayer with thanksgiving, we give thanks in all circumstances instead of grumbling, complaining, and whining.  We change the focus of our prayer from what we want or need or expect, to gratitude that we have a God who listens to our prayers, cares about our lives, and loves us with perfect love.

Experts say we can train ourselves to become more grateful. This is the way that we develop any of the virtues. The more we practice gratitude, the more it will become a habit. Researchers have discovered that gratitude leads to joy and that people for whom gratitude is a habit tend to be healthier and have stronger relationships.

Feeling and expressing appreciation are good for us.  Yet, today, ingratitude is far too common. Society today seems to be based on an odd mix of selfishness and entitlement. Many people put themselves and their needs before all others.  Children forget to thank their parents for all that they do. We take for granted the ways that others help us. Above all, we fail to thank God for His blessings.  It’s a “me first” approach that forgets about the relationships that bless our lives and help us each day.  Without gratefulness, we become arrogant and self-centered.  We begin to believe that we have achieved everything on our own or that we are entitled to the gifts we have received.

Thankfulness keeps our hearts in right relationship with God as well as with one another.  Giving thanks also reminds us of how much we have instead of focusing on what we don’t have. When we start thanking God for the people and things we usually take for granted, our perspective changes.  When we focus on blessings rather than wants, we are happier. Our struggles may not disappear, but we are better able to appreciate God’s presence, His support, and His love.Fr. Mike