Saying 20 of Maximus the Confessor states, "If you make provision for the desires of the flesh and bear a grudge against your neighbor on account of something transitory, you worship the creature instead of the Creator."
The cave represents our worldly existence, and the shadows are the transient desires and grudges we hold onto. In their dance, we often lose sight of the light above, the true and eternal.
Read MoreSeveral years ago Vanessa and I were traveling around New Zealand and we stopped at a little park that contained a mirror lake. That morning the world was hushed, the air cool, and the only sound you can hear is the gentle lapping of water against the shore. As you look at the surface of the water you see the reflection of Mount Cook as if and artist painted it on the surface of the water. The snowcapped mountain and subsequent glacier gaze upon you as you absorb the beauty of the world around you.
Read MoreImagine standing at the edge of a vast desert, the hot sun beating down on golden sands that stretch infinitely in all directions. These sands are in constant flux, moved by the whims of the winds. Just as you think you've grasped a handful, it slips through your fingers, disappearing as quickly as it appeared. Such is the nature of the transitory and corruptible.
Read MoreNow, picture, if you will, a vast and expansive garden—the Garden of Humanity. In this garden, there are myriad flowers, each unique in its own splendor. Some are roses with vibrant red petals, others are delicate lilies, while still others are daisies standing tall with their sunny faces to the sky. Each flower holds a beauty that's intrinsic, and none can claim to be superior or inferior to another.
Read MoreThe measure of our love for God can often be gauged by our ability to love those around us. This isn't limited to mere words or feelings but is reflected in our genuine efforts to understand, care for, and uplift others. Every act of kindness, every gesture of understanding, and every moment of patience towards our neighbor becomes a living testament to our love for God.
Read MoreIt is crucial to differentiate between condemning an act and harboring hatred towards an individual. While we might denounce an action as immoral or harmful, it doesn't warrant cultivating a feeling of hatred towards the person committing it. Understanding this distinction is essential in nurturing a heart that's in harmony with divine love.
Read MoreAt the very core of spiritual progression lies the concept of purification. To understand the depth of this saying by St. Maximus, we need to delve into the realms of what constitutes a soul’s purity and why thoughts of sensual desire and hatred are seen as impurities.
Read MoreUnconditional love, especially when viewed through a divine lens, is a profound journey of the soul, a deep-seated conviction that transcends mere human understanding. The saying emphasizes the intrinsic connection between loving God and loving every human being. It brings to light a deep spiritual truth: our ability to love others without conditions is directly proportional to the depth of our love for the Divine.
Read MoreHave you ever stood atop a mountain or gazed out into the vastness of the ocean and felt an overwhelming sense of smallness? Now imagine that feeling amplified a gazillion times over, not in the face of nature, but in the presence of the infinite God. St. Maximus describes an intellectual and spiritual epiphany that is both humbling and transformative.
Read MoreOur spiritual journey is often depicted as a path paved with virtues. These virtues – patience, kindness, humility, and the like – aren't mere adornments to our character but essential tools guiding our intellect towards an intimate union with the Divine. Virtues and intellect, according to St. Maximus, work hand in hand. Virtues mold the intellect, refining it, allowing it to cultivate an intense longing for God. Yet, among all virtues, pure prayer stands paramount. But what constitutes pure prayer?
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