Were There Not Ten

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They called out from a distance, following.

 

They were outcasts, lepers.

 

“Jesus, have mercy.”

 

The teacher brought us to a stop.  They kept their distance, not allowing the sickness to enter into our presence.  Open sores and decayed flesh, ten men with little hope for anything more than death.

 

“Jesus have mercy.”

 

And He did, but not without instruction.

 

It is said that along the way they were healed.  Their open wounds closed.  Their flesh cleared.  The law instructed them to show their bodies to the priests, to put the miracle on display.

 

And nine followed the law.

 

“But were there not ten?”

 

The one prostrates at the feet of Jesus, a Samaritan by birth, not subject to the law.

 

“Where are the others?”

 

A man of another land has returned to offer praise to a homeless traveler who gave instructions.  There is no law, chiseled into his heart, preventing the Spirit from taking rest.  He is not bound by tablets of stone and has seen clearly, the hands that healed him.





copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr
From the Collection; From Capernaum to Emmaus

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