Wisdom Incarnate

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

Psalm 90:12 (NTL)

After her marriage, a young woman went to live with her husband in another city, far from her mother and her hometown. This didn't prevent her from maintaining a close relationship with her mother. She called her regularly, sent her gifts for her birthday, and flowers for holidays. Between her children and her full-time job, she was very busy. One day, her husband called her to announce that her mother was coming to see a doctor in the city where she lived. Although happy with the news, she didn't find the time to go see her.

Since her mother was going to stay for a month, she waited a week before visiting her. Upon her arrival, she learned the terrible news: her mother had passed away. No one had told her that her condition was so serious. She wept inconsolably and blamed herself for not having acted sooner. Her carelessness turned into remorse and regret. It is this situation of remorse and regret that God seeks to spare us from. To save us from His wrath because of our sins, He sent Jesus to die in our place. But we allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by the things of the world, hoping to have time to turn to Jesus to receive God's salvation.

Having understood that life is short, very short indeed, the author of this psalm speaks on behalf of God's people to implore Him to teach them to number their days. The only way to become aware of this reality, like the author, is to ask God to reveal our condition to us and what awaits us. The wisdom the author speaks of here is Jesus Christ. It is not a matter of virtuous behavior or integrity. This wisdom consists of coming to Him and applying His teachings to our lives in order to flee the evil of the world. Life is short; you know how many years you have lived, but you don't know how many you have left. Be wise and open your hearts to receive the embodied wisdom of God, Jesus Christ.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.