Are you wise? Are you one of the wise men who worship Jesus and give Him gifts? (see Mt 2:11) Are you one of the five wise virgins or one of the foolish ones? (see Mt 25:2) Almost all people think they are wise. Surely the five foolish virgins thought they were wise. However, the question is not: "Do you think you are wise?" but "Are you wise?"

You are wise if Jesus says you are wise. A very successful man saved the surplus from his harvest, relaxed, and enjoyed himself (Lk 12:19). Most people would say he was wise, but God called him a fool (Lk 12:20). Even if the entire world considers you to be wise, you are nevertheless a fool if Jesus does not say you are wise.

You are wise if you are ready right now for your death and for Jesus' second coming. At any time, we can die or Jesus can return (see Mt 25:13). If we're ready all the time, then we are wise. For "what profit does he show who gains the whole world and destroys himself in the process?" (Lk 9:25) If we're not always ready for the end of our lives and the end of the world, we risk being "damned fools." To take this risk is foolish.

Are you wise? What does Jesus say? Are you ready to meet Jesus?

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, April 2, 1996

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 3, 1996