A Meditation by Anthony de Mello, SJ
According to legend, God sent a special Angel to the Master with this message:
“Ask for a million years of life and they will be given you. Or a million million. How long do you wish to live?”
“Eighty years,” said the Master without the slightest hesitation.
The disciples were dismayed.
“But, Master, if you lived for a million years, think how many generations would profit by your wisdom.”
“If I lived for a million years,people would be more intent on lengthening their lives than on cultivating wisdom.”