Thich Nhat Hanh’s quote from the other day has gotten me to thinking again about its similarities and the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the work of St. Francis of Assisi. “Many of us claim to be disciples of the Buddha, of Jesus Christ, of Mohammed, but we don’t listen to their teachings…We must think that our spiritual teachings are not realistic, because we have put so much faith in military and financial power.”
What are those teachings that we don’t listen to? What would it take to really follow those teachings of Jesus? What separates us from believing as Francis did? Francis is said to have heard the words of Jesus in the Gospel of St. Matthew, Chapter 10:7-10, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick”
What does it take to hear like Francis heard?
Technorati Tags:
st. francis, jesus, spiritual, poverty
Don,
While sitting in Mass today listening to the Gospel for All Saints Day, I was particularly struck by this verse of the Beatitudes:
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Verse 9)
It reminded me of you and gave me a chance to ponder over that.
Blessings brother.
Kev