Essay by Luke Foster
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” Francis of Assisi
I consider myself a devout Catholic but I don’t read the bible much but I do take inspiration from the teachings of the saints from all religions.
There has been some powerful Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu and Mystic saints.
I had a fall on a slippery walk way just now after grabbing a coffee and some groceries so I am writing this essay to cheer me up.
Mary MacKillop was a powerful Australian Catholic saint and she was so kind and wise.
Aside from the Sufis, the preeminent saints in traditional Islamic piety are the Companions of the Prophet, their Successors, and the Successors of the Successors.
“If you want something, release the wish, and let it light on its desire, completely free of the personal.” Rum
My favourite Christian saint was Saint Francis of Assisi the Italian saint. Even all the animals loved him.
“A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.” Saint Francis of Assisi
My favourite Lebanese saint was the Mystic prophet Kahlil Gibran. I love Lebs. I don’t think he has been considered a saint but he is in my books.
“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.”
Khalil Gibran
Many years ago I became interested in the Hindu saints teachings.
“Yes I am, I am also a Muslim, a Christian, a Buddhist, and a Jew.”
Mahatma Gandhi
I consider the Dalai Lama a powerful Buddhist saint.
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”
Dalai Lama
When I took a spiritual pilgrimage to India over twenty years ago I had a reawakening of my interests in Christianity and read the bible.
I particularly like the book of John in the New Testament.
“Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
– John 3:5
I realised last year that I suffer a lot as I don’t have a strong spiritual backbone but with this essay I am starting to build a strong spiritual backbone.
