We carry our desires, prayers and challenges and go about our everyday lives. Most days seem uneventful; it is the flicker of hope in our hearts that keeps our spirits alive and alert.

If we must travel through foreign and possibly hostile lands, it is wise to keep a low profile and tread especially lightly. So, too, in our sometimes rather hostile world, we must be watchful and ready to respond to what our God of surprises may ask us to do.

Ten lepers in a border village came to Jesus - a foreign passer-by healer - begging for pity. They kept a proper distance from Jesus because of their illnesses and because they were foreigners to Jesus and he to them. Jesus took pity on them and asked them to go and show themselves to the priests. As they were going on their way they were cleansed.

A miracle was performed quietly, apparently stirring no one, including the healer and the healed. But, wait! One of the lepers returned to thank Jesus most sincerely. Jesus was touched with surprise by the gratitude shown by this foreigner.