It is said that Christ’s return took place a number of years ago, one dull Monday morning, at the city gates of a large city.
In this place there was much to do, while many years had past since His first visit to earth little had changed. Still there were the poor, the sick and the oppressed. Still there were the world leaders who would preach peace while starting wars. Still there were the lepers with their Pharisees who pitied them and taught them how to pray.
For a long time no one took any notice of this desert wander that wore ragged, dusty clothes, who had a whether beaten face and who spent His time living among the dead and unwanted. The city drove blindly forward, ignorant to the one who dwelt within its dark heart.
There came a time however when the messiah decided to reveal His identity to a chosen few. The designated place for this revelation was a tiny, unknown church on the outskirts of the city.
As he entered this insignificant sanctuary he noticed a small cluster of people huddled in a corner. As he watched he noticed that each one was praying and weeping for the day of the Lord, pouring out their hearts for the heartless city and passionately awaiting His return.
At that instant each member of the circle felt the gaze of Christ penetrate their soul, immediately they realised who had entered their sacred home. For a time the room fell silent and no one looked up. Then, after what seemed like an eternity, the leader of the group stood, walked toward Christ and embraced Him saying,
‘We have waited so long for this day, for so many years we have worn away our hearts awaiting your return. Today, as with every other, we pray passionately for your arrival. The one question on our lips these past years has been: when you will you return’
Then he released Christ and looked Him respectfully in the eye,
‘Now that you are with us we have one question for you’
Christ listened intently, knowing already what that question would be
‘Tell us Lord, when will you come?’
With that the leader invited Jesus to join them in their prayers and tears, which he did, and which he continues to do, everyday in a tiny, unknown church on the outskirts of the city.