Picture a mosaic, shimmering in the light of a setting sun. Each tiny tile, whether it's cerulean blue, fiery orange, or verdant green, comes together to create an intricate scene, a story captured in fragments of colored glass. The tiles, on their own, might seem inconspicuous, but when pieced together with intention and artistry, they tell a tale that's larger than the sum of its parts.

In much the same way, love, in its grandeur and complexity, is composed of countless gestures, both grand and small. The saying from Maximus the Confessor directs our gaze to the mosaic of love, to its multifaceted nature, and to the myriad ways it finds expression in our lives.

The Unwavering Gaze of Divine Love

There's an enduring image of a master potter, fingers coated in clay, working at a wheel, shaping a lump of wet earth into a creation of purpose and beauty. Each turn of the wheel, each press of the hand, is a testament to the craftsman's connection with the material. The clay, in all its raw potential, is molded by the potter, who sees not just what it is, but what it can become.

This image mirrors the profound saying of Maximus the Confessor about God’s relationship with humanity. God, the ultimate craftsman, perceives every human being—whether virtuous or sinner—as His precious handiwork. Like the potter who understands the promise within each mound of clay, God recognizes the inherent value within every soul.

Embracing

Have you ever stood in a field of blue bonnets in Texas? When you look out at these wildflower you soon realize that the sun does not choose which flowers to shine upon based on their hues or stature. Instead, it generously casts its golden rays upon every blossom, every blade of grass, nurturing and illuminating them equally. Such is the essence captured by Maximus the Confessor when he speaks about divine imitation in almsgiving.

Imagine, if you will, a gentle rain shower. Each droplet descends from the heavens, indiscriminate in its purpose, eager to quench the thirst of every living thing below. It does not pause to ponder whether the land beneath it is barren or fertile, or whether the seeds sown are good or bad. Its mission is pure and simple: to nourish, to sustain, and to bring life.

The Flowing River of Divine Love

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.

© st. francis in-the-Field

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