We often look for answers in the quiet of a church pew, but sometimes God’s clearest word arrives after we’ve walked out the doors. I was searching for clarity, only to find the perfect response waiting for me in the most unexpected place.
A Sunday Like Any Other
Sometimes, God answers our deepest questions in the most unexpected ways — not through thunder or visions, but through a quiet moment, a familiar image, or even a Facebook post. This is one of those stories.
We have been attending the 5:30 PM Sunday Mass for nearly a year now.
We arrived at our usual 5:30 PM Mass — a service we’ve grown to love. As always, I found comfort in gazing at the crucifix, a habit that helps me stay focused amid the distractions of daily life.
I think it's worth-mentioning that I made this habit of gazing at Jesus on the cross because the story started here.
Gazing at the cross helps me to refocus my attention back to the Mass. My mind wanders sometimes. I notice the ceiling fans, the overhead lighting and how dim they are. I. notice many other things.
Can you relate?
We know how we can easily get distracted even at church. If this is not true, why on Earth are there books or talks to help us work on our focus, especially during the Mass?
It sure is nice to get our hands on those books, or to listen to those talks.
I think it has something to do with our attention span. Add to that the things that occupy our thoughts.
A Question from the Heart
Now here's the story...
I brought up that I made the habit to gaze at Jesus on the cross. However, I do not know what had gotten into my head this one time—curiosity set in.
To us Christians, we profess that Jesus will come again. This stems from the teaching supported by the Scriptures. And Christians that we are, we do what we can to prepare for His second coming.
This begs this question, "When is it, really?"
With my gaze on Jesus, I I asked Him, "Lord, are You even coming again? If you are, then when, Lord? How much longer do we have to wait? Would You even come in my lifetime, because I want to see You already?"
Silly me, right? How dare I ask Jesus this, you might say...
I know it's a "reflection" worthy of a frown this time.
However, this had nothing to do with the curiosity I had earlier about Jesus' second coming. It just came out casual. I did my best to listen to the homily, by the way, because Father Roberto can make it nearly effortless to follow along.
Father Roberto belongs to the Dominican Order. Dominicans are strong preachers. They give homilies sure to strike a nerve—the kind that are hard to ignore because they are relatable sermons, awakening us from our slumber—literally and figuratively.
It can be like being on a mini-retreat to lead us to examining our conscience, validate the things unclear to us, or bring light to our current situation. Father Roberto uses powerful props in his homily.
And, yes...it's encouraging when our understanding of the Christian life is confirmed. I needed that somehow... Call it validation.
It's equally encouraging to be reminded to stay the course. It's not surprising that at the conclusion of the sermon the parishioners would respond with a resounding "Amen!"
Indeed, our Father in Heaven uses many channels to cast His light so we'd see our path back to Him.
Okay, now let me fast forward to when we arrived home...
Our Sunday routine goes like this—after Mass, the family sits down for dinner at home, or at a restaurant. We would watch a good movie right after, or check what's happening in the world.
So, there I was, lounging on the couch.
Commercial came. I picked up my phone and as I scrolled through Facebook, I saw an image that made my heart leap — Jesus, lantern in hand, knocking on a door.
The caption?
“But of that day and hour no one knows… but the Father alone.” (Matthew 24:36).
It was the exact answer to the question I had whispered in church just hours earlier: “Lord, are You even coming again?”
Whoa! Either my heart skipped a beat, or my heart leaped out of my chest! My eyes grew—this is why...
I saw this beautiful image of Jesus, a lantern in one hand, casting a nice warm glow against the dark of the night. His other hand on the door—knocking, leaning a bit, as though trying to hear if footsteps can be heard. That image alone is very comforting.
A Facebook Surprise
I have seen this image shared on Facebook many times now but with a different message or caption. Regardless, it didn't fail to bring cheer to a spent soul.
So, if I have seen this image in the past, though the message it carried was not the same as this time, illuminating just the same—you may be curious to ask why it surprised me.
I get you, but before I continue, let me share the question I asked Jesus one more time.
"Lord, are You even coming again? If you are, then when, Lord? How much longer do we have to wait? Would You even come in my lifetime, because I want to see You already?"
Now, here is what it said in the image:
“But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone." (Matthew 24:36)
When Scripture Speaks
Of course, I knew about this verse in the Holy Bible. It's just that knowing I've asked Jesus that question and there His reply was— His response landing on my lap was nothing short of heart-leaping!
For how often have we made a phone call, but it went straight to voice mail? Everyone is busy these days as if there is more on our to-do than the hours in a day. It is common for our call, email, or text to be put to the side, especially when there is no urgency.
Correct?
This is the reason why I got all excited when I saw that Facebook post— silly as it was to posing the question. That is because I had zero expectations that Jesus would answer it anyway,
I guess, I just wanted to know if His second coming happens in my lifetime.
But, how interesting that thought it was raised out of curiosity—Jesus' reply was already winging its way to my Facebook newsfeed. Amazing stuff, isn't it?
Jesus cares so much more than we thought. He cares about us, more than we'd ever realize. His death on the cross is a living proof of that. Such a price He paid.
I do not think for a second that Jesus would instead choose to let His sacrifices go in vain by not intervening. Such as when curiosities lurk in our heads, when confusions drown us making us question our faith, when He could come to our aid after all.
There is a seed in each one of us. That seed is the faith that connects us to the Father and His will for us.
With that said, isn't it very telling that Jesus is uncomfortable when we doubt?
With all of our preoccupations, the chances are very high that it could catch us unaware of Jesus' second coming. Exercising care is a must, but one we sometimes neglect to give much thought to.
This encourages me to thumb through all the pages, revisit chapters, and ponder more often. Such pondering that brings the focus back to blessings, enough to take the sting out of some of life's disappointments.
To journal these things and blog about them, in a way, I am ministering to myself. It helps me find healing.
A Reminder to Stay Ready
God’s Word is alive. He speaks — not always when or how we expect, but always when we need it most. Even our quietest questions matter to Him. And sometimes, the answer is already on its way before we’ve even asked. I don't believe in moments of God-incidences any more.
However, knowing that only the Father knows the exact time, the question I should be asking is, "Am I in the state of grace?"
Thank you for being part of this journey. And remember, wherever you are in the world reading this, we are journeying together.
If the stories shared here speak to your heart, I’d love to connect with you on Facebook.
Many blessings, Emilie
A Note from my Heart
I’m Emilie, a seeker of faith who finds God in the quiet pews and the divine surprises of everyday life. I write these reflections to invite you into a slower, more soulful way of seeing the world.