OPEN MY EYES O LORD!

 

Hagar found herself in a precarious and perilous situation (Gen 21:14-21). With a tiny infant in her arms, she ran out water in a dreary dessert. She was distraught and distressed. Her only option was to watch helplessly her son experience slow and agonizing death. We can only imagine the pain and anguish of a mother. But something astounding happened! An angel of the Lord heard the cry of Hagar’s baby. The angel asked Hagar: what troubles you? God opened the eyes of Hagar and she saw a well of water nearby. She felt a huge relief. It is worth noting that the well of water did not just appear. It was not freshly dug. All the while Hagar was crying, overwhelmed with sorrow in the throes of despair, she did not see the well until the God opened her eyes.

When we face the challenges of life and confront the turbulence of human existence, we may be so overwhelmed, so gripped with our sorrow that we cannot see the solution to our problem or answer to our questions. We may be staring gloomily at the closed door and we are unable to see the new door open before us. We may be so harassed and embarrassed by our weaknesses and inadequacies and we cannot see the enormous graces of God. We may be battered by the storms of life and we cannot see the silver lining.

The Pharisees were so obsessed with the Jesus’ infractions of the letter of Mosaic law and they did not see that He was the Messiah. Pilate was arrogantly asking for truth without knowing that he was in the presence of divine Truth. Mary Magdalene was crying profusely unable to recognize Jesus. In the darkest moments of our life, all we have to do is to open our eyes and see the solution to our problems. Finding solution to our problem is not always like looking for a needle in a haystack. Our breakthrough may be hidden under opaque terrain of our fears and anxiety.

 Like Bartholomew, we beg the Lord to open our eyes that we may see new opportunities, new solution, new door, new answer to life’s question, new  hope in despair, light at the end of the tunnel. Open my eyes that I may see the wonders of your love! Ps (119:18).

PRUDENCE: AURIGA VIRTUTUM

 

Jesus did two things after his acerbic confrontations with the Pharisees that might not appear impressive to us (Matt 12:14-21). First, when He realized that the Pharisees were planning to arrest and possibly harm him, he withdrew. Literally he ran away. This might not appear heroic at all. Second, after performing many miracles, he strictly ordered the people not to make him known. Again, this might portray Jesus as lacking confidence in his ministry and mission.

If we peruse the bible carefully, we observe that sometimes Jesus would confront the Pharisees. Just by reading the content of their minds, Jesus would raise controversial issues with them. At other times, Jesus would avoid arguments and confrontation with the Pharisees. Again, Jesus would tell the beneficiaries of his miracle to proclaim his miracles to the roof tops. At other times, he would sternly instruct the people not to make him known.

What determined the decision and action of Jesus at every circumstance is the virtue of prudence. Prudence helps us to determine what is good, choose the right means to attain the good. It also guides the dictates of our conscience (CCC1806). In other words, prudence helps us to do the right thing, at the right time and in the right place. What should I do in this present situation? How should I respond or not respond in the present situation? What is the right thing to do  here and now? The virtue of prudence provides answer to these questions.

Prudence informs us whether to speak or to remain silent; to act or remain passive; to run or to stay. Prudence assists us to determine when we need courage to fight or humility to withdraw; boldness to speak or restraint to be silent; strength to act or patience to be calm.

In the absence of prudence, we make many avoidable mistakes. In the absence of prudence, Peter cut off the ear of a soldier, James and John wanted to call down fire from heaven to destroy the Samaritans, the apostles were arguing among themselves who was the greatest. But with prudence, we avoid unnecessary stress, dangers and worries. We also achieve tremendous feat for the glory of God. Under the guidance of prudence, David was calm in the face of provocation; the widow of Zarephat shared the little she had with the prophet.

St Pio of Pietrelcina is a good example of a man of prudence. He practiced the virtue of prudence in an exemplary way. St Pio says “prudence has eyes.” In other words, prudence is insight, knowledge, wisdom in action. In everything the prudent acts with knowledge but a fool parades his folly (Prov 13:16).  Prudence is our sure guide to right decision in every situation.