READ: LUKE 17:11-19 “Jesus is coming,” Nathanael whispers. “He’s coming.” “Jesus?” I say, scratching another sore on my arm until it weeps. “Oh, you Samaritans! Don’t you know anything?” Nathanael sighs. “He’s the Healer, like the prophets predicted. He can save us—even you.” Ten of us are still alive in this leper colony. Staying at home would put our families at risk. Tears prick my eyes as I think of the day I left behind my wife and son—of the sadness on their faces. I miss them. “Unclean!” people scream at us, hurrying by. “Ugh! Look at them!” “Dear God,” I pray, “please, let Jesus heal me.” “Jesus is coming,” Nathanael cries. “A huge crowd is following Him.” “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” we cry over and over again until our throats dry up. Sunshine scorches us, playing havoc with our wounds, my heart thumps as Jesus stops. He does not run away. His eyes reflect compassion and love. He reaches out to us. The crowd immediately disperses, shuddering. ...