Between Samaria and Galilee

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well." Luke 17:11-19 

Between Samaria and Galilee

The suffering and pain were less

than the shame and exclusion

sent away from all that we know

to live together in order to die.

This diseased body still cries

still aches for love and compassion

this body is still completely human

though wholly broken and rejected.

The outcasts of this world

huddled together for our sins

sick and shattered still cling to hope

that the road beside will still surprise us.

Thousands pass by and turn away

hundreds look and are horrified

the braver ones stare in wonder

what can they do for a sickness so vile?

One voice in our wilderness

heard our cry for help and healing

miracles abounding we returned home

forgetting to be grateful for our freedom.

On the road between Samaria and Galilee

one remembered all that God had done

one alone spoke thanksgiving and praise

all were healed but one was made whole.