BEN

Leprosy.  A short search on the internet made me realise it was a horrific disease at that time, with no cure.  It meant living in isolation from everyone, including all those you loved.  People were afraid of lepers.  I shuddered as I thought of Sarah’s family, so affected by such an awful disease.  How hard it must have been when their father and husband – the breadwinner – was struck down and forced to live away from them.

Sarah seemed so real, and so brave.  The whole family stood together in spite of Jeremiah’s isolation. 

Then Jesus came. 

I found myself wondering how I would have reacted to such a healing.  Would I too have run off to the priests and not even stopped to show my gratitude in my excitement at what had happened; or would I have stopped and gone back to thank this man who had just changed my life? 

These thoughts stopped me in my tracks.  How often did I thank God for the many blessings in my life?  I had a loving family; I was intelligent enough to have the chance to study medicine; and there was a potentially lucrative career ahead of me.  Had I ever thanked God for these things?  I knew in my heart I had not.

Perhaps this was what Benjamin meant by praying, for I found myself whispering my thanks to a God whom I was still not sure cared enough about me to listen.  My very first prayer was that of quiet thanks.

BENJAMIN

Ben

Jeremiah was a fortunate man in his healing, his family and his grateful heart.  I found myself echoing Sarah’s question – what did happen to the other nine?  But of this we can be sure – Jeremiah’s gratitude resulted in unquestionable physical healing and restoration to his family.  These are matters indeed, for which to be thankful.

I am aware of a lack of gratitude in my own life.  I have taken so much for granted.  The friendship I have had with your mother, and later, your father when they married has been very precious to me.  My health has been good up to now – and even now as my life drains away, I find there are many things for which to be grateful.  I am glad I discovered this before it was too late.

What a wide variety of people Jesus touched!  The narrator of the next story is not given a name.  His story is about his friend Sammy and Jesus.  There is no doubt he is a typical boy!  I enjoyed this story.  I could relate to the boys.  I hope you will too.