The great Jewish philosopher, Martin Buber, is reported to have once addressed a gathering of Catholic priests. He acknowledged that the great difference between believing Christians and believing Jews was that Jews were still waiting for the Messiah, while Christians were waiting for him to come again. And he appealed to them: "let us wait for him together."Then in a genial Hasidic improvisation, Buber continued:

And, when he comes, we will ask him: "Have you already been here?" When that happens, Buber said, "I hope to be close enough so I can whisper in his ear: for heaven's sake -- don't answer!"

While we wait, we might well heed the admonition of the author of Hebrews:

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.