A commentary on messianism:

“Where,” the Rabbis asked, “shall we look for the Messiah . . . Shall the Messiah come to us on clouds of glory, robed in majesty, and crowned with light?” The Talmud reports that Rabbi Joshua put this question to Elijah himself. Elijah replied, “At the gate of the city.” “And how shall I recognize him?” cried Rabbi Joshua. Elijah said, “He sits among the sick and destitute.” “What is he doing there?” “He is . . .changing their bandages, one by one.” Surely if there is a God, we are the hands of God, changing the bandages one by one.