One of the greatest aspects of our prayer life is that of giving thanks. In prayer, our sacred conversations with the Lord, we are told we can ask for anything and so we regularly offer prayers of petition and intercession. In this style of prayer, we approach the Lord, much like the lepers in today’s gospel, with humility and reverence and ask for his healing help and assistance. This is vital to our mission as disciples of Jesus. The Lord himself told us that if we ask we will receive. The Lord will always grant what is best for us.
Only one of those healed returned to give thanks. Perhaps the others were overwhelmed by the kindness of the Lord. Maybe they just couldn’t wait to share this miracle with their family and friends. Maybe they were so focused on showing themselves to the priests as Jesus instructed. Yet, one, came back to glorify God and give him thanks for the miracle of healing. We too are called to pause and give thanks.
Every Eucharistic Liturgy is a celebration of thanksgiving. As we come to be fed in word and sacrament, we also come to give thanks to God for all He has done for us. We are thankful for his healing and forgiveness. We are thankful for His real presence in the Eucharist. We are thankful for the power and presence of the Holy Spirit within us. We are thankful for our sisters and brothers in this faith community. We are thankful for the gift of creation. We have so much to be thankful for. So, take a bit of time in your prayer today and every day to pause and say, “thanks, Lord.” As one of our Prefaces for Mass states, “our desire to thank you, Lord, is itself your gift.” It is a precious gift and blessing. Two profound yet simple words of prayer, “Thanks, Lord.”