Abraham had waited many years for the fulfilment of God's promise – a son and many descendants. He and Sarah had almost given up. But the time came – and it was in the midst of an act of hospitality and kindness that the three angels delivered their message: the son would arrive soon. Sarah laughed – it seemed ridiculous at her age to give birth. But with God, all things are possible, but in His time and His way. In the meantime, we continue with acts of mercy and kindness – that is when God is most likely to visit us.

The centurion was supposed to be the enemy of the Jews. Judea was occupied by the Romans, and he was a Roman soldier. But he showed great faith when he asked Jesus to heal his servant. There was not a hint of doubt in him. He had also shown kindness towards the Jewish people. Jesus acknowledged both his faith and his kindness by granting his request. Faith is not doctrine but trust in God; we can find it everywhere and in the most unlikely people. Do we show similar faith?