Are you acting like a fool or a thoughtful person? (see Eph 5:15) The answer to this question depends in part on whether you are making "the most of the present opportunity" (Eph 5:16). You're a fool if you are saving up for a rainy day when "this very night your life" may "be required of you" (Lk 12:20). You're a fool if you are not correctly interpreting the present time (see Lk 12:56). Wise men and women know what time it is, while fools don't (see Mt 25:1ff).

How can we "not continue in ignorance, but try to discern the will of the Lord"? (Eph 5:17) If we eat Wisdom's food, we will be wise (Prv 9:4-5). Jesus is Wisdom Food — in His word and in Holy Communion (see 1 Cor 1:24). If you receive Jesus, He will tell you what time it is.

Ask the Lord if He wants you to make a novena of Masses in order to seek wisdom by eating the food of Wisdom in Holy Communion for nine days. Many business people are devoting months of research and thousands of dollars to interpret the times financially. Will you devote about nine hours in nine days to interpret the times spiritually? Are you wise enough to "try to discern the will of the Lord"? Will you ask Jesus to set your watch for you?

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 30, 2012

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