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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.
