Are you acting like a fool or like a thoughtful person? (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 (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). Wisdom's food is Jesus, Who is our Wisdom (1 Cor 1:24). Wisdom's food is Jesus in His word and in Holy Communion. 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 Wisdom's food 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?

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 1, 1997

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 4, 1997