According to legend, God sent an 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."
Anthony de Mello, SJ
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."
Anthony de Mello, SJ