The Gentle and Humble Heart

In the teachings of Christ, gentleness and humility are presented as essential virtues for spiritual growth. “Learn from Me,” He said, “for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matt. 11:29). Gentleness keeps the soul’s incensive power in a calm state, while humility frees the intellect from conceit and self-esteem.

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The Healing Power of Almsgiving, Fasting, and Prayer

Maximus the Confessor explains that almsgiving heals the soul’s incensive power, fasting withers sensual desire, and prayer purifies the intellect. These practices correspond to the powers of the soul and prepare it for contemplation and divine communion.

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The Scope of Divine Teachings

Maximus the Confessor categorizes divine teachings into three areas: teachings about God, things visible and invisible, and the providence and judgment relating to them. These teachings encompass the entirety of divine wisdom and guidance.

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Fulfilling the Commandments

According to Maximus the Confessor, fulfilling God’s commandments leads to dispassion, and through His teachings, we receive the light of spiritual knowledge. The commandments guide us in our journey towards holiness and divine love.

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The Dual Path of Humility and Asceticism

Maximus the Confessor highlights the transformative power of humility and ascetic hardship. Humility cuts out the passions of the soul, while asceticism addresses the passions of the body. Together, they free us from all sin.

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Detachment from Worldly Pleasures

Maximus the Confessor teaches that indifference to fame, pleasure, and riches is essential for cutting off occasions for anger and attaining perfect love. These worldly attachments fuel our passions and distract us from the pursuit of divine love.

centuries on loveJustin YawnJune 26, 2024St. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal ChurchMaximus, Maximos, early church, st francis in-the-field, justin yawn, patristics, contemplative, ponte vedra, Episcopal Church

The Saints’ Love for Their Neighbors

Maximus the Confessor points to the profound love the saints have for their neighbors, quoting St. Paul’s willingness to be severed from Christ for the sake of his brethren. This sacrificial love mirrors the love of Christ, who gave Himself for all humanity.

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The Unshakable Love of the Saints

The saints, having attained perfect love, demonstrate an unshakable commitment to God. Quoting St. Paul, Maximus the Confessor reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ—not affliction, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword.

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Indifference to Worldly Distinctions

Maximus the Confessor emphasizes that perfect love is indifferent to worldly distinctions such as fame, dishonor, riches, poverty, pleasure, and distress. This indifference is a hallmark of perfect love, which focuses solely on the eternal rather than the temporal.

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The Equality of Perfect Love

Perfect love, as described by Maximus the Confessor, does not differentiate based on individual characteristics. It loves all equally, whether friend or foe, with a consistent, unwavering affection. This love mirrors the love of Christ, who suffered for all mankind and offers everyone an equal hope of resurrection.

centuries on loveJustin YawnJune 17, 2024St. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal ChurchMaximus, Maximos, early church, st francis in-the-field, justin yawn, patristics, contemplative, ponte vedra, Episcopal Church

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