If God were to give you just one wish, what would you ask for?
Solomon asked for wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:7-13), and God made
him the wisest king of all time - and He added riches, health, and long life
besides. He was the envy of all other kings. Wisdom helps us to make the very
best decisions, and to always choose the right path. It's like hitting the
jackpot every day.
Wisdom is pictured as a woman in Scripture. In art and
literature and in our own experience, we imagine wisdom as a wise old
grandmother, or often as a wife who keeps her husband from rash decisions, and
who disciplines her children in the ways of virtue and faith. Lady Wisdom is
seen as "resplendent and unfading" - just waiting around the corner
to assist those who earnestly seek her. Those who listen and follow her advice
will be free from care and stress. (Wisdom 6:12-16)
St. Paul assures those who are anxious about the end time not
to worry excessively about the time and the place, but to be ready and alert by
a virtuous life. "Console one another with these words," he
concludes. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
The advice given by Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel can be summed up
in the phrase, "Be alert!" The parable of the ten virgins who await
the bridegroom (Mt 25:1-13) is the last of the series which Matthew narrates
before Jesus goes up to Jerusalem to endure His Passion. For this reason, it
must have been of special urgency for all His followers. It certainly is of
great importance for us who, like the ten virgins, can grow lax and careless as
we await the final judgment. It's like waiting for the end to our economic
woes, to a return to "normalcy" and prosperity, and for an end to our
interminable wars - waiting for peace!
If we are not prepared for our final judgment by keeping the
necessary supply of grace through the sacraments and through service, we will
not have "time" when called to the eternal wedding feast.
The oil for the lamp that keeps one vigilantly ready for
eternal life is regular confession, prayer, spiritual direction, holy Mass and
communion, and doing daily the will of God. The unwise soul does not prepare
for eternal life by seeking and protecting these graces, rather takes the
little received and hopes it will be enough. It is no surprise this one is not
prepared to meet and join God eternally.
How we need wisdom, wisdom for our leaders who guide our
economy, wisdom for our legislators and those who try to persuade the nations
that we are all brothers and sisters in pursuit of the same goals. Above all,
we need wisdom to bring faith into focus among educators responsible for
training our youth in the importance of God in their lives. We need to be alert
for the judgment that awaits all people of the earth when the Bridegroom comes.
Rosary Intentions
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| Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us who have recourse to thee! |
I pray that the Wisdom of God be placed in the hearts and minds of
those responsible for the health, welfare, and education of our children and
grandchildren.
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