After one’s own operation, the activity in the ward becomes a point of interest. Beds are emptied of patients, and new ones brought in, having had different kinds of surgery. Reflecting on this, the thought arose that the human body is amazingly resilient and adaptable. Skin can be severed by a surgeon’s scalpel, then stitched, and it repairs itself. Bones can be sawn, removed and replaced with substitute materials, and the body heals and continues to function. Blood can be removed, and then reintroduced, plastic lens can be grafted on the eyes and sight restored. Tiny cameras can be introduced into arteries, and discoveries made and action taken.

The Psalmist, three thousand years ago, recognised the versatility of the human body, and extolled its Creator in these words, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” The Psalmist not only speaks here of himself, but also of Christ the Son of God, who took upon Himself our nature in the womb of His mother. Great is the mystery of godliness, God was made manifest in the flesh.