Maximus the Confessor teaches that our love for others should not be swayed by their individual characteristics. If our regard for people fluctuates based on their behavior or our personal feelings, we have not yet attained perfect love. Perfect love transcends personal differences and sees the shared human nature in all.

centuries on loveJustin YawnJune 14, 2024St. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal ChurchMaximus, Maximos, early church, st francis in-the-field, justin yawn, patristics, contemplative, ponte vedra, Episcopal Church

The Way of Peace: Shunning Suspicion and Offense

In the communal life of faith, maintaining peace is paramount. Maximus the Confessor warns us to shun all suspicions and the individuals who cause us to take offense. To harbor offense, whether it is intentional or unintentional, is to stray from the path of peace—a path that love illuminates and leads us to divine knowledge.

centuries on loveJustin YawnJune 12, 2024St. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal ChurchMaximus, Maximos, early church, st francis in-the-field, justin yawn, patristics, contemplative, ponte vedra, Episcopal Church

The Gentle Hand of Brotherhood: Avoiding the Reproach of Conscience

In the communal life of a monastery, the bonds of brotherhood are as essential as the air we breathe. These bonds are built on mutual respect, understanding, and the shared pursuit of spiritual growth. Maximus the Confessor warns us of a grave danger to these bonds: the act of striking a fellow brother, especially without just cause. Such an action can lead to profound and lasting harm, not only to the individual struck but also to the spiritual well-being of the one who strikes.

centuries on loveJustin YawnJune 10, 2024St. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal ChurchMaximus, Maximos, early church, st francis in-the-field, justin yawn, patristics, contemplative, ponte vedra, Episcopal Church

The Shadow of Listlessness: Overcoming with Patient Endurance

In our spiritual journey, as we have learned thus far various passions seek to distract, divert, and derail us from our spiritual path. Among these, forgetfulness and ignorance may target specific aspects of the soul—be it the incensive, desiring, or intelligent. Yet, there is one passion that casts a wider net, ensnaring the soul's entirety in its grip: listlessness. Maximus the Confessor identifies this particular passion as especially perilous because it seizes control of all the soul’s powers, rousing nearly every passion in its wake.

centuries on loveJustin YawnJune 7, 2024St. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal ChurchMaximus, Maximos, early church, st francis in-the-field, justin yawn, patristics, contemplative, ponte vedra, Episcopal Church

The Healing Balm of Love: Conquering the Incensive Passions

In the intricate tapestry of the human soul, the passions of the incensive power stand as fierce adversaries, challenging our peace and spiritual equilibrium. Maximus the Confessor wisely observes that these passions, characterized by anger, resentment, and aggression, are more formidable and difficult to overcome than those related to desire. Recognizing this, our Lord provides a potent antidote: the commandment of love.

centuries on loveJustin YawnJune 5, 2024St. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal ChurchMaximus, Maximos, early church, st francis in-the-field, justin yawn, patristics, contemplative, ponte vedra, Episcopal Church

Harnessing the Soul: Mastery Over Incensive and Desiring Passions

In the labyrinth of the human soul, passions emerge as potent forces, each tugging at different facets of our inner being. Maximus the Confessor identifies two primary categories of these passions: those that pertain to the soul’s incensive power and those that pertain to its desiring aspect. Both types of passions are ignited through our sensory experiences and flourish in the absence of love and self-control.

centuries on loveJustin YawnJune 3, 2024St. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal ChurchMaximus, Maximos, early church, st francis in-the-field, justin yawn, patristics, contemplative, ponte vedra, Episcopal Church

Mastery Over Passions: The Dual Path of Love and Self-Control

In the intricate dance of human existence, passions arise as powerful forces that can either propel us toward fulfillment or lead us astray. Maximus the Confessor distinguishes between two types of passions: those of the body and those of the soul. The body’s passions are physical cravings and impulses, while the soul’s passions are emotional and psychological desires. Both kinds of passions, he asserts, are aroused through the senses and can lead us away from our true purpose when left unchecked.

centuries on loveJustin YawnMay 31, 2024St. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal ChurchMaximus, Maximos, early church, st francis in-the-field, justin yawn, patristics, contemplative, ponte vedra, Episcopal Church

The Inner Battle: Overcoming Impassioned Images

In the quiet recesses of our minds, there exists a gallery of images—impressions and memories of past experiences that linger like shadows on the walls of our consciousness. These impassioned images, vibrant and evocative, often hold sway over our emotions and actions, influencing how we perceive and interact with the world around us.

centuries on loveJustin YawnMay 29, 2024St. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal ChurchMaximus, Maximos, early church, st francis in-the-field, justin yawn, patristics, contemplative, ponte vedra, Episcopal Church

The Yoke of Love: Embracing Forbearance

In the teachings of Christ, there lies a profound challenge, a call to transcend the natural inclinations of the human heart and embrace a higher law—the law of perfect love. "But I say to you," says the Lord, "love your enemies... do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you" (Matt. 5:44). This commandment is not merely a moral directive; it is a transformative invitation to step into the boundless love of God.

centuries on loveJustin YawnMay 24, 2024St. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal ChurchMaximus, Maximos, early church, st francis in-the-field, justin yawn, patristics, contemplative, ponte vedra, Episcopal Church

The Path to Perfect Love: Embracing Our Enemies

In the teachings of Christ, there lies a profound challenge, a call to transcend the natural inclinations of the human heart and embrace a higher law—the law of perfect love. "But I say to you," says the Lord, "love your enemies... do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you" (Matt. 5:44). This commandment is not merely a moral directive; it is a transformative invitation to step into the boundless love of God.

centuries on loveJustin YawnMay 22, 2024St. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal ChurchMaximus, Maximos, early church, st francis in-the-field, justin yawn, patristics, contemplative, ponte vedra, Episcopal Church

© st. francis in-the-Field

Sign up for our E-Newsletter