In this sense, the power of a call to the expression of love in deeds is reflected in the rich tapestry of spiritual wisdom of Saying 40 of St. Maximus the Confessor "One Hundred Chapters on Love”. This is sage advice that lights the way toward a deeper, more compassionate engagement with our neighbors and the world.
Read MoreConsider the soul as a holy temple, sanctuary within which divine presence may dwell. St. Maximus appeals to the prophet Jeremiah, warning us from saying of ourselves as temples of the Lord inconsiderately. The imagery reminds us that spiritual purity and the indwelling of God do require a radical transformation, a sanctification of the inner sanctuary by our actions and intentions.
Read MoreThink about those stories where love is so strong that nothing bad that happens can stop it. Like in the Bible, when Job loses everything but still trusts and loves God completely. Or in Charles Dickens' book "A Tale of Two Cities," where Sydney Carton loves so much that he's willing to die for someone else, showing the kind of love that doesn't end even when life does.
Read MoreIn the vast tapestry of literature and scripture, there are tales of tempests and tranquility, challenges and champions, and above all, the eternal struggle between good and evil. Each narrative provides glimpses into the deepest desires of the human soul and its quest for dispassion.
Consider the image of Dante's "Divine Comedy". As Dante journeys through the Inferno, he witnesses the chaotic whirlwind of passions that ensnare souls, condemning them to an eternity of unrest. It's a vivid representation of a soul trapped in its own tumultuous emotions, unable to break free from its self-inflicted torments. This hellish imagery starkly contrasts with the serene landscapes of Paradiso, where souls bask in divine light, having overcome the turbulence of their earthly passions.
Read MoreImagine a tranquil pond, its surface smooth like glass. It perfectly mirrors the azure sky above, with fluffy white clouds drifting lazily and trees lining its periphery. The scene is one of harmony, with each element in its place, painting a picture of serenity and balance.
This pond symbolizes the soul in its natural state—calm, composed, and reflective of its divine origin.
Now, envision a sudden gust of wind, ruffling the pond’s surface. Ripples form, distorting the once-clear reflection. This disruption, while temporary, shifts the balance, causing a disturbance in the peaceful tableau.
Read MoreClose your eyes and imagine a meadow where wildflowers dance with the breeze. The sky, vast and endless, paints a canvas of cerulean blue, dotted with wisps of clouds. A gentle brook murmurs its lullabies, and birds serenade the world with their songs of freedom. In this haven, everything is in harmony, resonating with an ineffable joy that fills the air.
This meadow mirrors the landscape of a pure soul.
Read MoreImagine standing within a vast cavern, its walls stretching endlessly, enveloped in complete and utter darkness. Every step echoes uncertainty, and each moment is shrouded in the ambiguity of the unseen. In this darkness, the world is both limitless and confined, an infinity bound by the chains of ignorance.
Now, envision a single, radiant beam of light piercing through a crevice in the cavern ceiling. It illuminates the chamber in a gentle cascade, revealing intricacies previously concealed. The vastness of the space, the patterns on the walls, the pathways that lead deeper or perhaps to an exit — all come into view. What was once an enigma becomes known, and the darkness is no longer a realm of mystery but a canvas of understanding.
Read MoreImagine standing on the edge of a vast meadow at dawn. The world around you is painted in hues of soft blues and grays, a tranquil canvas of predawn serenity. As time ebbs, the first rays of the sun gently pierce the horizon, casting a golden light that dances across the expanse, illuminating every blade of grass, every dewdrop. If you have healthy eyes, you cannot help but be drawn to this majestic display. The sun, in all its morning glory, beckons, and the eye naturally gravitates towards it, captivated by its brilliance.
Such is the relationship between the pure intellect and the knowledge of God when guided by love. The intellect, in its untainted and pure form, yearns for higher truths, just as a healthy eye is drawn to light. It seeks understanding, clarity, and enlightenment. In the spiritual realm, the most profound of these truths is the knowledge of God. This knowledge isn’t just a collection of facts or doctrines but a deep, experiential awareness of the Divine. And the most potent magnet that pulls the intellect towards this divine knowledge? Love.
Read MoreImagine, for a moment, standing in the vast expanse of a cold, snow-covered forest. The bite of winter chill clings to the very air you breathe. As you stand there, you visualize the flickering flames of a roaring campfire. You picture its warmth, the glow of its embers, the way it lights up the night, dispelling shadows. Yet, as detailed as this image might be in your mind, it doesn't provide any warmth to your frigid hands or combat the biting cold.
Such is the nature of faith without love.
Faith, in its essence, is akin to understanding the concept of fire. It’s acknowledging the potential of warmth, the possibility of light. But without the spark – without action – it remains just a thought, a dormant idea that hasn't been ignited. And what is that vital spark, that element which brings faith alive, turning a dormant potential into a radiant reality? It is love.
Read MorePicture a vast, expansive landscape, a pristine meadow blanketed by a thick layer of untouched snow. Its serenity is absolute, every individual snowflake contributing to this vast white canvas, shimmering gently under the kiss of sunlight. But hidden beneath this sheet of white is a dormant seed, waiting for its time to sprout, to break free from its frozen prison and reach for the skies.
Such is the nature of our inner growth. Often, the pristine landscapes of our lives, built on comfort and routine, camouflage dormant seeds of potential within us. And sometimes, it takes the harsh, biting cold of an insult or indignity to crack the surface and pave the way for these seeds to awaken.
Read More
