"Harden not your hearts' - what does it mean? In the language of the bible it meant to be rigid and narrow-minded. The heart was thought to be the place of understanding. When people harden their hearts, they let fear and insecurity rule them and they are not open to God's spirit. We see that so often with religious people especially those who are rather fundamentalist in their outlook. Ironically, in their attempt to be 'faithful' they can close themselves to new experience or what God is trying to teach them. After all, Hebrews insists that we are partners with Christ. There is no need for fear, and every reason to trust Christ our teacher to lead and guide us.

Leprosy can be cruel in two ways. First of all, it ravishes the victim's body. But in addition to that, it also destroys the person's place in society as well as their sense of worth and dignity. The poor leper in the story begs Jesus to heal him but doesn't demand it, saying rather timidly 'If you choose, you can heal me'. But for Jesus there is no question. It is a matter of compassion and mercy, and he made the man whole. With the Lord compassion is always - always - first. And so it should be with us. Compassion works miracles, so let us be miracle workers.