Leonard Cohen, the iconic poet and musician, offered a refreshing perspective on sainthood. Forget the ethereal figures with wings and halos. For Cohen, a saint is someone who embodies a rare human potential – a life infused with an extraordinary capacity for love. This love compels them to fully embrace the messy, chaotic reality of existence, the “laws of gravity and chance.”
Cohen’s saint isn’t some distant, angelic being. They’re firmly planted in the world, “at home” amidst the joys and sorrows of humanity. Their love extends beyond pious pronouncements; it manifests in an appreciation for the “fine and twisted shapes of the heart,” the complex tapestry of human emotions.
This image shatters our preconceived notions. Gone are the pristine white robes and sterile sanctuaries. Cohen’s saint is far more relatable. They could be the one with grease-stained fingers, toiling away with a kind heart. They might wear worn overalls and work boots, their hands roughened by blisters and splinters. The only halo they possess is the luminous aura of their unwavering love.
This redefinition challenges us to broaden our search for sainthood. Forget the hallowed halls of cathedrals or the romanticized serenity of forests. Cohen compels us to look within the very heart of struggle – among the “broken, the hungry, and the sick.” Perhaps the truest saints are those who, amidst the world’s hardships, choose to love with fierce compassion, leaving behind a trail of kindness in their wake.
Yet another beautifully written piece on love and compassion quoting one on my favourite Canadian authors. Makes me thrilled to hear more of Cohen’s philosophy especially when paraphrased by you❤️
Thank you so much. Love. Webb.
Beautiful and inspiring
Thank you dear sister.