GRATITUDE, NOT COMPLAINTS, INCREASES BLESSINGS

READINGS: EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

The second reading for this 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, from Exodus 16, recounts how the Israelites responded to hardship on their journey to freedom—often with complaints and blame. Their reaction challenges us to consider how we face the pain and stress that come with positive change and growth.

Growth rarely comes without obstacles. When things get difficult, we’re tempted to retreat, abandon our goals, or blame others. Complaining becomes a default response, shifting responsibility and blinding us to previous and ongoing blessings.

Life perfects what we practice. The more we complain and blame, the better we become at it—until we can no longer see the good around us. The Israelites complained at the Red Sea, in the desert, about food, water, leadership—forgetting God’s miracles and mercy. Their ingratitude drowned out the memory of liberation.

Complaining robs us of responsibility, gratitude, and joy. It’s easy to overlook blessings and fixate on what’s missing. But a grateful heart sees differently. When we focus on what is good, we create space for better things to come.

May God help us shift our focus to gratitude—for in seeing His goodness, we prepare our hearts to receive even more.