Wisdom is not the way of powerful weapons or a massive army. It is not in the arrogance and stature of a man, nor his empty words.

Wisdom walks quietly in the streets, talks briefly and with sincerity and patience, and never seeks to divide or plant seeds of hatred and doubt.

Wisdom's journey is slow and hard with many enemies-- known and hidden-- sometimes its friends disguised as loved ones, set out to destroy and even then, wisdom forgives.

Wisdom sees beyond the hatred and anger generated by a misguided country and seeks to bring together differences of opinions for the good of all.

Wisdom respects the dignity of mankind and understands that human suffering must be shared by all; that love and compassion cannot be bought but given freely and nothing should be expected in return.

When wisdom has breathed its last breath, it takes comfort in the belief that it has done its best with the time it was given and now, a new journey begins.

Wisdom was embodied in Pope John Paul II. May wisdom prevail in his successor.