Imagine a vast and endless reservoir, filled to the brim with the purest, clearest water. This reservoir, boundless and eternal, symbolizes the love of God, a love that is unchanging, infinite, and available to all. From this reservoir flows a river, its waters moving with purpose, intent on reaching every parched corner of the land. Maximus the Confessor, with his profound spiritual insights, presents us with this declaration: "He who loves God will certainly love his neighbor as well. Such a person cannot hoard money, but distributes it in a way befitting God, being generous to everyone in need."

This river, fed by the reservoir of God's love, flows effortlessly through valleys, forests, and plains. It doesn't discriminate in its path; it seeks to quench the thirst of every being, every creature, every plant. Just as this river's primary purpose is to nourish and sustain, so too is the purpose of one who genuinely loves God. Their love, like the river's waters, flows outward, touching everyone and everything in its path.

The Liberation

Imagine, if you will, a vast desert stretching endlessly in every direction. The burning sands ripple with illusions—mirages of shimmering oases filled with sweet waters and lush trees bearing fruits. Travelers, parched and weary, chase after these visions, hoping to quench their insatiable thirsts and sate their unending hungers. Yet, each time they approach, the mirage vanishes, leaving them emptier than before.

Such is the realm of worldly desires. Like those illusory oases, they promise contentment, joy, and satisfaction. Yet, as we chase them, they often prove elusive, shifting further away and sometimes revealing themselves as mere illusions.

Cultivating a Sanctuary Within

Picture an ancient, ornate temple standing with regal poise amidst the chaotic sprawl of a bustling city. Its spires pierce the sky, offering a stark contrast to the modern edifices around it. This temple is a beacon of serenity, a space untouched by the frenetic energy of the streets below. Within its walls, one feels an immediate sense of calm and reverence—a palpable shift from the disarray outside.

Dancing Shadows and the Timeless Light

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.

The Alluring Horizon

Several 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.

The Quest for Lasting Fulfillment

Imagine 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.

The Garden of Humanity

Now, 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.

Love in Action

The 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.

The Nexus between Divine Love and Human Relations

It 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.

Unpurified Soul

At 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.

© st. francis in-the-Field

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