By Romanus Onwe
“Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12
Historically, numbers sometimes convey profound meaning. Jesus was 33 years old when He willingly gave His life for the salvation of the world. Centuries later, particularly in 1978 (47 years ago), Pope John Paul I reigned for only 33 days, making his pontificate the shortest in modern history. Yet, like Christ, his brief tenure carried a message that continues to inspire generations today. Impact is not measured by length of days but by our faithfulness to God. We can draw a lot of lessons from our Lord Jesus Christ and His Vicar, Pope John Paul I.
The first lesson is this: God can accomplish great things in a short time. Jesus’ public ministry lasted only about three years, but its impact is transformative and eternal. Pope John Paul I had only one month as Bishop of Rome and Successor of St. Peter, yet he touched the Church with his uncommon humility, joy, and pastoral heart. In life, we often think we need more years, more chances, and more resources. But through the lives of Jesus Christ and His Vicar, John Paul I, God reminds us that what matters most is not how long we live, but how well we live for Him. So, don’t wait for more time. Utilize the time you have today. God does not measure impact by quantity but by the quality of our faith. It is not about your popularity as a Christian, a preacher, or a pastor. It is about the real impact you make on people.
The second lesson is about humility and joy. Jesus knelt to wash the feet of His disciples, indicating that greatness is found in service (John 13:14–15). Pope John Paul I, nicknamed “the smiling pope,” did not allow grandeur and pageantry to characterize his Pontificate. He rejected the usual papal coronation, spoke simply, and greeted the world with a radiant and contagious smile. His life teaches us that holiness is not heavy or gloomy—it is shown by joy, simplicity, and service. In Proverbs 17:22, the bible says, “Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy all the time”. So, don’t allow troubles of this life or your personal challenges to weigh you down. Let your faith be joyful, not gloomy. Serve humbly. Live simply. Smile always. People may forget our words, but they will never forget the joy of Christ that we radiate.
The third lesson is a reminder of the brevity of life and the certainty of eternity. Christ’s 33 years remind us that our time on earth is limited but precious. John Paul I’s sudden death after 33 days of occupying the Seat of Peter, simply teaches us that tomorrow is not guaranteed. Only God knows the hour. James 4:14 says: “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” That unalloyed truth challenges us to live ready, holy, and with heaven in view. Don’t postpone obedience to ‘very soon’, ‘next time’ or ‘tomorrow’. Even if you have a short time to live, live it now for God.
Finally, John Paul I left us a legacy of faith, hope, and charity—the three theological virtues which he focused on in his catechesis before his transition to the heavenly glory. St. Paul reminds us: “These three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). In His public ministry, Jesus embodied these virtues completely, and so should we. Our lives should be anchored not on material things which are ephemeral but on faith, hope, and charity. These are the enduring treasures.
Let me end with the words of a prominent French-American Quaker missionary, Etienne de Grellet (Stephen Grellet) (1772-1855):
“I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”
So whether we have 33 years, 33 days, or 33 minutes, the call is the same: live faithfully, humbly, and joyfully. Our impact is never measured by length of days but by the love of Christ we share with others in the space of time that is allotted to us.
Let us pray:
- Lord, teach me to value my days and use them wisely (Psalm 90:12).
- Lord, help me live with humility and joy like Christ and Your servant John Paul I.
- Lord, let my life — short or long — leave a legacy of faith, hope, and love.
- Lord, help me be ready at all times, living with eternity in view.
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Romanus Onwe is a passionate researcher and insightful writer dedicated to exploring faith, family, leadership, and the critical societal issues that shape humanity. Through his thought-provoking works, he seeks to inspire, educate, and contribute to the greater good of mankind. He is a Citizen of Rome and the Founder of Heirs of Peter, a platform for Catholic faith and formation. He has been catechizing the people of God and preparing them for Sacraments for over fifteen years now. His works such as Listen to Him: Catholic Catechism Book with Appropriate Scriptures, Mother of Popes, The Rosary in Your Hands, etc. can be accessed on Amazon.
