Taking Flight: A Book of Story Meditations

by Anthony de Mello

Abbot Lot came to Abbot Joseph and said, “Father, according to my capacity I keep my little rule and my little fast, my prayer, my meditation, my contemplative silence; and according as I am able I cleanse my heart of evil thoughts. Now what more should I do?” The elder stood up in reply. He stretched out his hands to heaven and his fingers became like ten lamps of fire. He said, “This: become totally changed into fire.”

My profession is to paint and I have excelled as a painter. God’s profession is to forgive and if he is good at his profession, as I have been at mine, I see no reason to be afraid.”

And, once again, God would hear his prayer and the village would be helped.