Let Us Give Thanks

Details: 05 March 2010

Remember the story related in Luke’s gospel concerning the 10 lepers?

Jesus encountered them on the road traveling from Samaria to Jerusalem. Once they saw Jesus, they fell at His feet and cried, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” Having pity on them, Jesus cured them saying, “Go and show yourselves to the priests” (Lk 17:14). Only one returned and thanked Jesus by ‘falling on his face’ at the feet of Jesus while giving Him thanks and praise. Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?” (Lk 17:17)

While the vast majority of those we help are thankful for the assistance received at Catholic Social Services, occasionally we have clients who return to thank us either in person or by sending us a thank-you card or letter. Either way, these expressions of gratitude are truly and rightfully directed to our generous benefactors and ultimately Almighty God, who is the source of all charity.

Recently, a single mother came to one of our offices frightened and scared, not knowing where to turn or what to do. She was recently hurt on the job and since her worker’s compensation covered only a portion of her monthly bills, including her mortgage, she was in trouble. After using up her savings, she stood to lose her house.

I was told she was “doing everything right and not because of an unwillingness to work or for laziness, but because of an injury,” she was on the brink of disaster.

In a lovely and tenderly written thank-you card she said, and I quote, “I just wanna say thanks for your time, kind generosity for helping me with my mortgage situation in December. I go back to the doctor in March … and I hope to be released …. I need to look for a new job. Maybe I can come in sometime if you have time to proofread my resume … I just wanna say thank you for your warmth, time and help. I know that you get a lot of requests but I mean this from the bottom of my heart. Thanks for saving my house. I hope to give back by donating or volunteering, thanks so much!!!” She signed the thank you card by saying, “God bless you” followed by her name and the name of her daughter. The emergency services case worker who helper her was noticeably touched.

Notice her mention of donating back or volunteering. This is nothing new to Catholic Social Services. There are instances where past clients have later donated time and talent by volunteering, treasure by cash donations, donated clothes, or even larger items such as cars.

As mentioned above, the gratitude expressed in this thank-you note rightfully belongs to the countless benefactors of southern Nebraska and beyond! May this column be our thank-you note from us to you for helping us touch the lives of needy individuals and families who come to us on a daily basis. Never forget that we at Catholic Social Services pray for you every morning at 8:30!