True Enlightenment

In a world saturated with information, knowledge is often equated with power. However, there exists a kind of knowledge that transcends facts, figures, and worldly wisdom — spiritual knowledge. According to St. Maximus the Confessor, this sacred enlightenment stems from divine love. At the heart of spiritual knowledge lies an understanding of our relationship with God and our purpose in His grand design. This knowledge isn't just cerebral; it permeates our entire being, guiding our actions and shaping our perspectives.

The Delicate Balance

Modern life, with its myriad of distractions, poses a unique challenge to the spiritually inclined. Every day, we are presented with countless 'sensible objects'—material things that appeal to our senses and demand our attention.

Finding True Value

The first time I walked into Times Square I was overwhelmed by the lights, sounds, and volume of people who I encountered. Despite the fact that I am an extrovert by nature I found myself in a complete sensory overload. Nowadays I skip Times Square for less crowded streets and less sensory overload. In my pursuit to see New York, I find myself traversing quiet streets and tree lined streets with friendly people who seem to forget they do not live in one of the worlds largest and busiest cities.

Beyond the Material

In our modern, fast-paced world, we are constantly surrounded by stimuli. From the hum of technology to the allure of material possessions, our senses are perpetually bombarded. Amidst this sensory overload, St. Maximus the Confessor offers a refreshing perspective.

A Spiritual Compass

In this succinct yet profound declaration, Maximus the Confessor encapsulates the essence of the spiritual quest: "The person who loves God values knowledge of God more than anything created by God, and pursues such knowledge ardently and ceaselessly." This statement delves into the nature of divine love and the innate human desire for understanding and communion.

The Bridge of Hope

Maximus the Confessor's observation that "Love is a holy state of the soul, disposing it to value knowledge of God above all created things" is a profound meditation on the intrinsic nature of divine love and its role in our spiritual journey. At the core of this statement lies an understanding of love not merely as an emotion or sentiment but as an orientation and disposition of one’s entire being.

Fear of God

When I was starting out as a priest in the denomination, I grew up in I had rose colored glasses about the church and the people who participate in the church. I knew that God was alive in my denomination, and I also knew that the church was struggling to share the good news of Jesus Christ to the world. Many people were battening down the hatches and holding onto “tradition” which ended up wrecking many churches because there was something missing in their midst: Fear of God. I have watched my denomination and, ostensibly, the larger Christian movement limit the role of the awesome existence of God. We have almost forgotten our place in the creation and, in a way, turned ourselves into modern day pharisees and forgotten our own spiritual work.

Love at the Core

Maximus the Confessor's observation that "Love is a holy state of the soul, disposing it to value knowledge of God above all created things" is a profound meditation on the intrinsic nature of divine love and its role in our spiritual journey. At the core of this statement lies an understanding of love not merely as an emotion or sentiment but as an orientation and disposition of one’s entire being.

© st. francis in-the-Field

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