The Purified Intellect

90. Just as the physical eye is attracted to the beauty of things visible, so the purified intellect is attracted to the knowledge of things invisible. By things invisible, I mean things incorporeal.

St. Maximus the Confessor Four Hundred Centuries on Love: #90

Maximus the Confessor teaches that just as the physical eye is attracted to the beauty of visible things, the purified intellect is drawn to the knowledge of invisible, incorporeal things.

Imagine a scientist with a powerful telescope, gazing at the stars and discovering the wonders of the universe. The purified intellect, free from worldly distractions, similarly seeks the hidden truths of the spiritual realm. It is naturally drawn to the knowledge of things invisible and incorporeal, such as the nature of God and the mysteries of the divine.

By purifying our intellect through spiritual discipline and contemplation, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of the unseen realities that underpin our existence. This pursuit of divine knowledge brings us closer to God and enriches our spiritual lives.

centuries on loveJustin YawnSt. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal ChurchMaximus, Maximos, early church, st francis in-the-field, justin yawn, patristics, contemplative, ponte vedra, Episcopal Church