Jesus Beyond the Border – Today is World Communion Sunday, and the scripture is the story in Luke of Jesus traveling, and, on his way, healing ten lepers, only one of whom returns to praise God and thank Jesus, and that fellow was a Samaritan. Carol told of an experience she had some years ago visiting a children’s hospital in Israel where staff members were from various countries and the patients, children, were from various places as well. But together the atmosphere at the hospital was inclusive and focused on healing. In Jesus’ time, Samaritans and Jews did not get along, but in this specific story, Jesus was inclusive of the ten lepers, no matter their origins. At the end of the healing he instructs them to go see a priest to get clearance that they are healed. Most do, focused on getting back to the lives they led before coming down with leprosy. But the one who turned back to Jesus came not only to thank him but to become a follower. It is an example for us on World Communion Sunday, following the example of Jesus and the leper to reach out to everyone and include them.