From the psalmist who encourages us to “bless the Lord at all times’’, that “His praise’’ be “always on my lips’’ (v 1) to St. Paul who says “and for all things give thanks; this is the Will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1Thess 5:18), “Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” ( Eph 5:19-20).

In the daily Ignatian Examen, ‘Thanksgiving’ is the first step in reviewing our day. When we discover that, even in the worst of days, there is something to be thankful for, our spirit is lifted and we can move forward to what is ahead with hope.

Those who seek and trust in the Lord, as the psalmist says, “lack no blessing’’ (v 10). When was the last time we “revered’’ the Lord? The Lord Jesus offered Himself as flesh and blood to us. Are we not humbled, do we not tremble in honour at such total giving of Himself to us?

In our world today, we honour many for their worldly accomplishments and possessions. Does it exceed the honour we ought to give to Our Lord?

What does the Lord require of us today? The psalmist says, “we need to control our tongue from speaking “evil’’ and “deceit’’ (v 13); and to “do good, seek and strive after peace’’ (v 13).