“With age comes wisdom.”

This well-known saying is often associated with Oscar Wilde — and what a story his life tells. His writings first appeared in the late 19th century, and this gifted writer wrestled with Catholicism his entire life. His life may rightly be seen as a long and difficult conversion to the Roman Catholic Church. In his final moments, a priest was satisfied that Wilde freely desired reception into the Church — and he died a Catholic.

Thank God that some of us, in our later years, have grown in the wisdom of God.

My Wisdom

Believe me when I tell you — I am still in the process of shedding the things of the world that disrupt my walk with God. Social media is a perfect example. It pulls us into irrelevant issues and before we know it, we are judging others. There is nothing more irksome than getting caught up in that dark entrapment. I, for one, am working hard to rid my mind of it. The mindless scrolling was stealing time that belonged to prayer.

Prayer

Prayer is a central part of my life. The guilt and grief I used to beat myself up about — all those hours lost to social media — that is slowly coming to an end.

Praying has led me into another realm of wisdom entirely. I no longer get worked up about the problems of the world, or what our country is currently enduring. Through the wisdom of God, new spiritual portals of faith have opened up for me at a deeper level.

For example, many times when I am praying for a person or a serious concern, the Lord will give me a vision of the situation. And with that vision, I can go even deeper into prayer.

Peace

Yes, I still get all worked up about things — but I quickly come to my senses. It is almost as if the Lord is telling me, “Snap out of it!” And then something indescribable happens: peace comes over me like a warm blanket from heaven, covering all my cold thoughts about this world.

I can attest to the many times God has gently reminded me of some uncharitable act — and I either apologize or repent. I am undoubtedly a sinner. But I can picture the pearly gates ahead of me, and I want nothing more than to please God.

Growing With Wisdom

As you get older, wisdom should come naturally — but for some, it does not. The reason is simple: they fail to ask God for wisdom. Instead, they seek direction from outside worldly sources, and that path leads straight to idolatry. We can only serve one God. And when confusion rears its ugly shadow, it casts doubt and plays dirty mind games.

I know many well-meaning people who, because they lack godly wisdom, make foolish choices. What I cannot understand is this — wisdom is there for the asking. Yet so many lack the knowledge, or simply are not aware, of how much God wants us all to live full, wholesome lives.

King Solomon

Earlier this week, the reading at Mass was about how God bestowed wisdom on Solomon. This was no ordinary wisdom — it was supernatural. When God gave it to him, He entrusted Solomon with a remarkable gift.

1 Kings 3:7-12   New American Bible (Revised Edition)