Return to the Lord with Thanksgiving

Naaman’s New Song

After dipping seven times in the Jordan River, according to the prophet Elisha’s instructions, Naaman was cured of leprosy. Recognizing the miraculous movement of God in that moment, he returned to Elisha and proclaimed,

“Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel.”

Naaman experienced a profound conversion as the power of God transformed him from the outside—in. He knew he had received a supernatural healing from heaven. He vowed to offer worship to no other god than the one true God.

In Psalm 98, we read,

“Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds.”

Church Father Origen of Alexandria (c. 185 – c. 253) interpreted the “new song” as a prophecy of the death and resurrection of Christ. Naaman’s cleansing from leprosy and his encounter with the one true God put a new song in his heart long before the Passion of our Lord. Two millennia later, we should continue to sing this new song.

The Thankful Leper

In Luke’s Gospel (17:11-19), Jesus cleanses ten lepers, yet only one returns in gratitude with thanksgiving. He, too, having been profoundly moved by the grace of God, cannot help but make a return to the Lord, throw himself at Jesus’ feet, and offer thanksgiving. Jesus’ response may have surprised him:

“Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”

It’s easier to remain faithful when God answers our prayers and heals us or removes suffering. But what about when illness, pain, or dilemma remains? Can we stay faithful even then, steadfast in love and trust in the Lord?

Steadfast Even in Chains

In 2 Timothy 2:12-13, St. Paul addresses this while jailed and suffering for the Gospel.

“If we persevere, we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.”

St. Paul offers a remarkable example of uniting our crosses with the Lord’s and presenting them as intercessory prayer for the conversion of souls:

“[bearing] with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim 2:10).

Lessons in Suffering

I have suffered from Dyshidrotic Eczema for years. It is characterized by blistering and peeling of the skin on one’s hands and feet. During one of my most significant flares, I referred to myself as a leper. Once the disease rendered my hands useless, I found myself begging for the Lord to heal me. It took three years for those prayers to be answered. However, while I waited on the Lord, I learned many beautiful lessons. My condition presented numerous opportunities to embrace the virtues of patience, humility, and fortitude.

Once the disease left my hands, it attacked my feet, and it remains to this day. Thanks be to God, I can now accept this suffering, seeing the blessings instead of wallowing in self-pity and disappointment with how the Lord chooses to answer my prayers. I choose to focus on how my suffering can be united to intercessory prayer for others, just as St. Paul taught, especially for my loved ones who are away from the faith. I am grateful for His mercy, for allowing me to regain full use of my hands so I may live my vocation as wife, mother, Catholic writer, and social media evangelist to the fullest.

Now It’s Your Turn

How do we make a show of thanks to the Lord? Do we remain a few minutes after Mass, having just received the Eucharist—whose very meaning is thanksgiving—and offer a prayer to the Lord? When was the last time we went “glorifying God in a loud voice” and falling at the feet of Jesus to thank Him, even if only in our hearts and upon our knees? Does our behavior reflect, like Naaman’s, our faith in our good and mighty God, besides whom there is no other?

I can’t be the only one to experience these moments of seeking healing (and of the grace of prayers answered); I’d love to hear how you thank God for answered prayers or struggle with unanswered ones.

Copyright 2025 by Allison Gingras

Edited by Theresa Linden