In the heart of Christian spirituality, as echoed in the profound writings of the Philokalia, lies a gem of wisdom: "Theology is taught us by the incarnate Logos of God since He reveals in Himself the Father and the Holy Spirit." This statement encapsulates a fundamental truth about the Christian journey and the pursuit of understanding God.
Read MoreIn the profound depths of the Gospel of John, we encounter a translation that speaks to the heart of our spiritual journey: "At the outset, there existed the dialogue, and this dialogue was alongside God, and indeed, the dialogue was divine." This passage invites us into a mesmerizing world of divine discourse, a realm where contemplation and action intertwine, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of our relationship with the Divine.
Read MoreThe profound mystery of the Incarnation, as articulated by St. Maximos the Confessor, offers a unique opportunity to explore both the divine and human aspects of this central Christian doctrine. At the heart of this mystery is the paradoxical truth that God, in His infinite and transcendent nature, chose to become fully human in the person of Jesus Christ. This act of Incarnation bridges the immeasurable gap between the divine and human, making it not just a theological concept but a reality that touches every aspect of human existence.
Read MoreAs the world twinkles in the festive lights of Christmas, our hearts turn to a timeless truth, beautifully articulated by St. Athanasius in his seminal work, "On the Incarnation." He wrote, "He became what we are that he might make us what He is." In these few words lies the cosmic reality of Christmas.
Read MoreI am interrupting my journey through Maximus to focus on a spiritual discipline that came up in my own prayer life. Please bare with me as I indulge in this departure from my normal pattern.
As I reflect on so many happenings directly in my life and indirectly tied to my life I keep coming back to a desert practice that maybe we need to restore. This past weekend we made great strides at convention and, yet, still have far to go with even small changes feeling like monumental lifts and disenfranchisement. I also received news via email about several employees from former staffs who all met an abrupt end to their ministry. Each of the official emails seem to point to great personal pain and disconnection that led to an abrupt change in the life of these individuals and the lives of the communities they served. It is within this context that the practice of Holy Listening emerged anew for me.
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