Fr. Mark-Mary explains how giving thanks to God is the most sure way to chase away the grumpies. In the Mass we say it is right and just to give thanks to God, and the priest responds:
“It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation always and everywhere to give you thanks.”
This instruction may be difficult on a day when you’re in sad town, though. Fr. Mark-Mary tells about a time when he was having such a bad day he couldn’t show the joy he knew he was called to show. He prayed for the strength to live in the truth of the good news, and thanked God for the gifts of faith, hope, salvation, for the gift of his son, for the Blessed Mother, and for nachos. Simply being thankful truly helped him chase away his moody behavior.
He suggests, when giving thanks to God, start with the biggest, most general things like faith and salvation, and then move your way to the specific blessings in your life like your loved ones, hobbies, and even your favorite foods. As simple as it seems, this is a powerful and efficacious prayer.
When you’re moody just take a moment to invite God’s presence in, and thank him. Have you tried this and has it helped? Did it not help? Let us know.
Meet Fr. Mark-Mary
Father Mark-Mary was ordained as a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal (CFR) in 2018 and lives at a friary in the Bronx.
The mission of the CFRs is to wholeheartedly embrace Jesus through fidelity to the Church and her Sacraments. Paired with their commitment to prayer, contemplation, and study of Sacred Scripture, the CFRs serve those around them, especially the poor, in the footsteps of Christ.
Discover beautiful music from the CFRs here.
