The Dual Path of Humility and Asceticism

76. Humility and ascetic hardship free a man from all sin, for the one cuts out the passions of the soul, the other those of the body. This is what the blessed David indicates when he prays to God, saying, ‘Look on my humility and my toil, and forgive all my sins’ (Ps. 25:18).

St. Maximus the Confessor Four Hundred Centuries on Love: #76

Maximus the Confessor highlights the transformative power of humility and ascetic hardship. Humility cuts out the passions of the soul, while asceticism addresses the passions of the body. Together, they free us from all sin.

Consider a skilled sculptor chiseling away at a block of marble, revealing the beautiful statue within. Humility and asceticism are the tools that chisel away at our vices, uncovering the divine image within us.

Humility involves recognizing our limitations and relying on God’s grace. It requires a willingness to submit to God’s will and to acknowledge our need for His guidance and strength. Asceticism, on the other hand, involves disciplining our bodies and minds to align with God’s purposes. It includes practices such as fasting, prayer, and acts of service that help us grow in holiness and self-control.

By embracing these practices, we purify our souls and bodies, creating a vessel fit for the indwelling of divine love. As David prayed for God to look upon his humility and toil, we too seek God’s grace through our efforts, trusting in His forgiveness and transformation.