"Without Christ’s presence, we will never have a truly fair and renewed world." This was said by the Pope at the end of today’s general audience catechesis on the theme of "parusia"(Jesus’ return) in St Paul’s teachings. Speaking extempore before some 15 thousand faithful (as he did for the most part of his catechesis), Benedict XVI said a special prayer similar to the one at the end of St Paul’s letter to the Corinthians: "Maranà, tha!", which is literally translated by "Our Lord, come!" "Come, Lord Jesus, in the ways you know. Come, where there is violence and injustice, to Darfur, to North Kivu, and in many other regions of the world. Come, where drugs are taking hold, come, to the rich who have forgotten you, come, where you are not known. Come, into our world today, into our heart, so that we may become your presence in the world." According to the Holy Father, we can then say with St Paul, "Come, Lord Jesus, who are truly present in our world and make it new." (continued)” ” ” “
