Pure Prayer
Our 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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Beyond the Self
There's a certain paradox in spiritual journeys. As we seek deeper connections with the Divine, we often encounter moments where our sense of self diminishes, giving way to something far grander. St. Maximus the Confessor captures this phenomenon brilliantly in this saying on the overwhelming nature of divine love.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Embracing Change: The Lessons from the Israelites in the Desert
Change, as they say, is the only constant in life. From the time we are born we are changing as we grow. Over the next several weeks we will be reading from the book of Exodus as we explore the life of Moses and the Israelites journey through the desert. These stories offer an illuminating example of how humans often resist change, even when it promises a brighter future.
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The Depth of the Painter
This saying from St. Maximus the Confessor warns us of a subtle trap. In admiring the creation, there's a danger of becoming so engrossed that we forget about the Creator. It's akin to praising a painting while disregarding the painter.
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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.
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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.
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