Maktub

I have been reading Paulo Coelho’s “Maktub”, a collection of sayings, stories, parables, bits of wisdom. There’s a lot that provokes reflection, much of it inspiring and/or challenging. I was particularly struck by one entry: “A novice asked Abbot Nisteros in the Scetis monastery: “What should I do in order to please God?” The abbot responded: “Abraham welcomed strangers, and God was pleased. Elijah disliked strangers, and God was pleased. David was proud of what he did, and God was pleased. The tax collector in the temple felt ashamed of what he did, and God was pleased. John the Baptist went into the wilderness, and God was pleased. Jonah went to the great city of Nineveh, and God was pleased. Ask your soul what it wants to do. When our soul is in agreement with its dreams, that fills God with joy.””