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.

Edited by Theresa Linden

A Heart Story

Remember the blessings

I had heart surgery when I was four years old. The only things that I remember about this event are going to the hospital and taking a sip of the anesthesia. My parents have a better memory about my heart surgery. It was a scary time for them.

My heart surgery was thirty years ago, around Halloween. My parents kept track of this event. Each year they read the story aloud, reliving the emotions and touching memories. The main things that stuck in their minds were the blessings.

They remember how God strengthened us during this emotional roller coaster. They remember the people who encouraged us, comforted us, giving me gifts, and making meals. These simple blessings helped us in a variety of ways.

Acts of thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is coming! As we gather around the table and eat a nice piece of pumpkin pie (with cool whip on top), remember the graces God has bestowed on us this year.

Remember your blessings out loud together as a family. Write them down in your journal, or on a piece of paper. Put the thankful list in a place so that you can glance at it every day.

Being thankful helps us forget the hardships in life.

Psalms of praise

The book of Psalms is a wonderful example of gratitude! King David reminds us again and again to be thankful. To give praise to God, putting our hope and trust in him. To sing his blessings day after day.

Examples

Here are a couple of Psalms that mention praise and blessings.

Psalm 18: 1-3. I love you O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliver, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 21: 3. For you meet him with goodly blessings; you set a crown of fine gold on his head.

These verses remind us that God is with us. He protects us in times of temptation. He guides us each day. He helps us in every situation. He loves us.

Are you struggling with something today?

God understands. He is nearby, taking care of you. He knows your fears, hopes, joys, and sorrows. He is waiting for you to come to him. You are his precious child.

Concluding thought:

As we prepare our Thanksgiving meals, remind yourself of the blessings and favors that you have received this year. The friends and family members who encouraged you, and those who helped you in both the good and bad times.

Tell God thank you for bringing these people into your life.