Wisdom, a timeless virtue echoing through the pages of the Bible, paints its lessons in narratives like Solomon’s sagacity, the Proverbs’ pearls of wisdom, and even today’s gospel reading. Desirable and potent, wisdom yields a bountiful harvest of positivity when sown in the fields of life.

In the parable of the 10 virgins, wisdom consists in being prepared. We are invited to preparedness not as a sporadic act but as a daily rhythm—a way of life. For, in the wise words of Benjamin Franklin, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” It is wise to think of contingencies, to be prepared and ready.

Wisdom is also a divine gift that allows us to understand things from God’s point of view. In other words, wisdom enables a person to recognize the truth. Several truths are already revealed to us, but it takes wisdom to accept them and live by them.

Yet, wisdom faces adversaries—confidence in oneself and trust in one’s reason. These foes shun truth for fear it might interfere with personal reasoning or discoveries. This disposition rejects truth or revelation because it challenges what we believe. Our reasoning may be clear-sighted but it can not always be a perfect guide.

One of the titles of the blessed virgin Mary is Sedes Sapientiae, the Seat of Wisdom. She reflected practical wisdom in her decisions and words and reflected she had the gift of wisdom in her acceptance of truths revealed to her. In our preparation for the coming of Christ, May we imitate Mary’s wisdom and like a guiding beacon, may it illuminate our paths.

O God, who has taught the hearts of the faithful
by the light of the Holy Spirit,
grant that in the same Spirit we may be truly wise
and ever rejoice in his consolation.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.