My Grandfather used to always say to me, “Youth is wasted on the young.” It is debated as to who originally said this famous quote, either George Bernard Shaw or Oscar Wilde, but the point that they are trying to make is simple. Young people have the freedom and ability to do anything with their time, without responsibilities, and they often squander it on insignificant tasks. My Grandfather would often remind me of this while I would be sitting inside playing video games on a nice summer day.
As a Servite graduate who is in the slow and resistant transition from adolescence to adulthood, I would like to suggest a different thought: wisdom is wasted on the old. Allow me to explain.
I have worked for a children’s summer camp for four years now and this Winter we are putting on our first Christmas concert. During one of the rehearsals, I was joking with some young children saying how the meaning of Christmas was just getting presents. The three of them quickly sprang into action in defense of Jesus. Although I was expecting them to do this, I was very surprised by the conviction they felt in their hearts. I continued to egg them on to allow for them to formulate their best arguments for Our Lord. It was beautiful to see the passion and love that these young children had for Jesus. No matter what I said, their opinion was not going to change. It got me thinking, do I even have that conviction?
I can explain in depth what the Incarnation is, what the Eucharist is, and what it means to have a Savior who is willing to die to us; but do I even have the conviction of a small child?
These children who could not explain to me the theological complexities of why they believe still hold fast to the truth they know in their heart. They have such a natural appreciation for God. This is what I mean when I say wisdom is wasted on the old.
As a further example, for the last three years, a new Star Wars film has been released every December. My brain is now trained to expect this. My attention at this time of year isn’t primarily or solely focused on the Advent of a new-born king, but that of impending fan theories, outer space drama, and endless merchandise.
Over the past two years, I thoroughly enjoyed the films that were released by the Star Wars franchise. It is safe to say my expectations were high. Without getting into lengthy details, I was disappointed with the latest release.
My goal during this last week of Advent is to become more aware of the reality for which I am immeasurably blessed to be a part of, which is Emmanuel. God with us.
Following the opening night experience, I have spent a vast amount of time dissecting and mulling over why I feel the way I do. I let it rule over my life so much that I barely even paid attention during Mass on Gaudete Sunday, a day dedicated to the joy we should feel towards the reality that God chose to become man so we could be with him intimately forever, that was squandered with my resentment towards a movie.
What a waste of my mental faculties and an overall lack of wisdom to see the divine beauty that was before me. So the lesson I learned from this children’s Christmas concert rehearsal was not only that little kids are better singers than I am, but they are also wiser.
Advent is about making straight the paths for the Lord in every aspect of our life. Emmanuel means “God with us” and our focus during this season leading to the celebration of the Birth of Jesus is to clear any obstructions in our heart that may hinder our ability to let God achieve his deepest desire, which is simply to be with us.
My goal during this last week of Advent is to become more aware of the reality for which I am immeasurably blessed to be a part of, which is Emmanuel. God with us.
Verso L’alto,
Eddie Huber 12′
AMDG
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