The conflict between Israel and the Amalekites in the desert is the first armed struggle between God's people and a Gentile people. This wandering people clashed with Israel again at various other times.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, St. Luke tells us that ten lepers go out to meet the Lord. The group of lepers maintains a distance from the Lord. In Israel at the time, leprosy socially excluded those who suffered from it.

The request the Apostles make to the Lord in today's Gospel, "Increase our faith," is a beautiful prayer. The Lord's response is surprising, turning the request on its head. He says, "If only you had faith.