It was when I was writing a screenplay based on the events of the Gospels that I realised how few women there were in the story; of fifty-five characters, barely five of them were female, most of them called ‘Mary’.

However secure we may feel in our Christian lifestyle, the real test is when our cosiness is disrupted and we find ourselves thinking before acting.

Everything Jesus did in the Gospels was for a purpose, a moral purpose.

This pagan, this Roman Centurion showed more faith in Jesus than anyone else in Israel. This Gentile had put the Jews to shame here.

Here the Kingdom of Heaven is introduced in the beatitudes. We are provided with a series of blessings associated with mourning, meekness, seeking after righteousness, mercy, purity of heart, peace-making and persecution.

Can you imagine being chosen among Jesus’ first twelve disciples, being part of the most famous and effective dozen in history?

Our priorities are a lot to do with our perspective.

Yes, he had received a remarkable miracle, perhaps the first leper to be healed in such a way, but … all he was asked in return was to tell no-one except the priests.

Jesus knew his mission. It is a shame others could not see beyond their personal needs.