Monday 4 October 2010

Monday, October 4th, 2010

St Francis the Walker

Toronto, Ontario

October 4th is the birthday of a monastic saint who has universal appeal. Francesco of Assisi. He has crossed all borders of faith with his sentiment for bhakti (devotion). Centuries after his passing (1181-1266) he continues to inspire people with the high level of renunciation he demonstrated during his sojourn on this planet. He is millions of light years ahead of us in more ways than one.

He traveled on many roads in Italy and much of that with his donkey. On his deathbed, Francis thanked his friend for carrying him throughout his life which caused the donkey to weep.

Animals had a magnetism towards St. Francis. He spoke to the birds as if it were a sermon.

"My sister birds, you owe much to God, and you must always and in every place give praise to Him; for He has given you freedom to wing through the sky and He has clothed you...you neither sow nor reap, and God feeds you and gives you rivers and fountains for your thirst, and mountains and valleys for shelter, and tall trees for your nests. And although you neither know how to spin or weave, God dresses you and your children, for the Creator loves you greatly and He blesses you abundantly. Therefore...always seek to praise God."

And here's what he said about walking.

"It's no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching."

7 KM

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