Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they?” — Luke 17:17

There was once a minister who was well known for his beautiful and moving prayers. He always knew just what to say because, I am told, his heart overflowed with gratitude. But one Sunday morning he woke up to the kind of day we preachers dread. If it was not a full-blown nor’easter, it came pretty close. The wind was howling and the rain was coming down in sheets. As a result, many people stayed home from worship, while those who braved the elements and came to church wondered what the minister would say. Typically, he filled his prayers with praise and thanksgiving. But how could he be thankful on such a miserable day? Indeed, as he stood up to pray, the ushers at the back of the church were ev…