We are all familiar with the concept of the glass half full/half empty and the meaning attached to it.
This example is often used to describe the character of people –
those with a positive outlook and those with a more negative one!
We all know someone whose attitude is one of constant cheerful assessment of life situations.
While another one will constantly find fault with whatever happens…

This mental picture came to my mind as I read the last verse of the 2nd reading of today’s celebration (Ephesians 5:15-20).
Writing to the first Christians of Ephesus, the apostle Paul tells them:

“Always and everywhere give thanks to God”.

Reading, or hearing these words, some may think: ‘Well I don’t always have some reason to give thanks to God…’
A long litany of misfortunes, or unfulfilled desires, presents itself to the mind of the person thinking.
The person’s focus is on what is missing, what he wishes for and is lacking… the half-empty glass!

What is sad is that, often, such a reaction is one of blindness, or forgetfulness.
The memory of happy situations, joyful events, successful ventures, all this has been wiped out.
God’s many gifts are as if… they had never been received – they have passed unnoticed!
The recurring blessings of God, his daily assistance, his on-going protection, all this is perhaps… taken for granted…

We need to develop an attitude of awareness of all the good things that come our way, and be grateful to God.
We need to direct our sight, and our memory, to the positive, enjoyable, encouraging, aspects of life, and be refreshed by them.
After all, a glass that is half-full is NOT empty!

We will then be spontaneously led to be grateful to God “always and everywhere”.

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/20e-dimanche-de-lannee-b-2024/

Source: Images: unsplash.com (Joseph Greve)         https://www.scripture-images.com/desktop-wallpaper/kjv/ephesians-5-20