I’VE been talking to many people these days about the importance of having prudence in managing one’s life. It’s an attitude that calls for cautiousness and intelligence, not in theories or knowledge but in practical matters. Having prudence saves one from tensions, heartaches, and disappointments. It’s a conscious regard for actualities of people’s states of mind and the society’s current affairs. In other words, it calls one to be realistic in relating with others and in dealing with life’s struggles.
We often say, “It’s easier said than done, but the truth of the matter is…” Yes, I’ve reminded people about this “wisdom”. For example, the truth of the matter is that many people can be full of malice or can’t be understanding or open-minded as some people are. So, we can’t expect them to fully comprehend other people’s ways and actions. We have to be careful with the manner we relate with them, with how we push our agendas; and to be understanding of their mindset. We also have to accept the reality that some moral issues are complex; and we can’t expect everyone to have a clear perception of these issues.
Webster Dictionary defines prudence as “caution with regards to practical matters; discretion”. It is synonymous with “calculation” and “foresight”. Prudence, therefore, is the virtue of knowing from experience the effects of one’s behavior(s) towards one’s personal life and his or her relationship with others and the community.
In Christian spirituality, “prudence” is a lamp or a flask of oil that one can’t afford not to have because the reality is, life here on earth is fragile and temporary. We can’t merely be preoccupied with worldly things and affairs; we need to have a foresight of what is to come, of the future. For us, Christians, the future is “eternal life” with God. And so, we have to invest not just in material matters but in heavenly treasures. Our lives on earth through good deeds should be a preparation to our longing to be with God, our Creator in the Eternal Banquet.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins in the Gospel reminds us about the necessity of possessing prudence. In contrast with the five foolish virgins, the five good ones were prepared with extra flask of oil in case the bridegroom got delayed in coming. They had the foresight of what could happen – the “realities” of life. The foolish virgins waited for the bridegroom unprepared, not having the gift of foresight.
Let’s ask for this gift of prudence, the ability to be cautious and vigilant with the courses of life. Let’s ask Mary, the Mother of God, to pray for us, for she is the Seat of Wisdom.
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Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas attended St. John Seminary in Camarillo, California and earned his Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri. For twenty years, he has been in the parish ministry of large multi-cultural communities. Since 2002, he has been the pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Los Angeles.