The profound mystery of the Incarnation, as articulated by St. Maximos the Confessor, offers a unique opportunity to explore both the divine and human aspects of this central Christian doctrine. At the heart of this mystery is the paradoxical truth that God, in His infinite and transcendent nature, chose to become fully human in the person of Jesus Christ. This act of Incarnation bridges the immeasurable gap between the divine and human, making it not just a theological concept but a reality that touches every aspect of human existence.
Read MoreAs the world twinkles in the festive lights of Christmas, our hearts turn to a timeless truth, beautifully articulated by St. Athanasius in his seminal work, "On the Incarnation." He wrote, "He became what we are that he might make us what He is." In these few words lies the cosmic reality of Christmas.
Read MoreAs we approach the beautiful and solemn season of Advent, I find it fitting to pause our ongoing reflections on the "Centuries on Love" and create a sacred space for contemplation and anticipation. In this spirit, I am delighted to announce that beginning tomorrow, December 3, the First Sunday in Advent, an Advent blog will begin that will feature daily devotions written by the members of our Daughters of the King chapter from St. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal Church.
Read Moren the garden of the spirit, love is the most exquisite bloom, its petals unfolding with patience and its fragrance imbued with kindness. It’s like the quiet strength of the old oak, offering shade to all who seek refuge beneath its branches, never asking why they are late or what kept them away.
Read MoreThink about those stories where love is so strong that nothing bad that happens can stop it. Like in the Bible, when Job loses everything but still trusts and loves God completely. Or in Charles Dickens' book "A Tale of Two Cities," where Sydney Carton loves so much that he's willing to die for someone else, showing the kind of love that doesn't end even when life does.
Read MoreIn the vast tapestry of literature and scripture, there are tales of tempests and tranquility, challenges and champions, and above all, the eternal struggle between good and evil. Each narrative provides glimpses into the deepest desires of the human soul and its quest for dispassion.
Consider the image of Dante's "Divine Comedy". As Dante journeys through the Inferno, he witnesses the chaotic whirlwind of passions that ensnare souls, condemning them to an eternity of unrest. It's a vivid representation of a soul trapped in its own tumultuous emotions, unable to break free from its self-inflicted torments. This hellish imagery starkly contrasts with the serene landscapes of Paradiso, where souls bask in divine light, having overcome the turbulence of their earthly passions.
Read MoreImagine a tranquil pond, its surface smooth like glass. It perfectly mirrors the azure sky above, with fluffy white clouds drifting lazily and trees lining its periphery. The scene is one of harmony, with each element in its place, painting a picture of serenity and balance.
This pond symbolizes the soul in its natural state—calm, composed, and reflective of its divine origin.
Now, envision a sudden gust of wind, ruffling the pond’s surface. Ripples form, distorting the once-clear reflection. This disruption, while temporary, shifts the balance, causing a disturbance in the peaceful tableau.
Read MoreI am interrupting my journey through Maximus to focus on a spiritual discipline that came up in my own prayer life. Please bare with me as I indulge in this departure from my normal pattern.
As I reflect on so many happenings directly in my life and indirectly tied to my life I keep coming back to a desert practice that maybe we need to restore. This past weekend we made great strides at convention and, yet, still have far to go with even small changes feeling like monumental lifts and disenfranchisement. I also received news via email about several employees from former staffs who all met an abrupt end to their ministry. Each of the official emails seem to point to great personal pain and disconnection that led to an abrupt change in the life of these individuals and the lives of the communities they served. It is within this context that the practice of Holy Listening emerged anew for me.
Read MoreClose your eyes and imagine a meadow where wildflowers dance with the breeze. The sky, vast and endless, paints a canvas of cerulean blue, dotted with wisps of clouds. A gentle brook murmurs its lullabies, and birds serenade the world with their songs of freedom. In this haven, everything is in harmony, resonating with an ineffable joy that fills the air.
This meadow mirrors the landscape of a pure soul.
Read MoreImagine standing within a vast cavern, its walls stretching endlessly, enveloped in complete and utter darkness. Every step echoes uncertainty, and each moment is shrouded in the ambiguity of the unseen. In this darkness, the world is both limitless and confined, an infinity bound by the chains of ignorance.
Now, envision a single, radiant beam of light piercing through a crevice in the cavern ceiling. It illuminates the chamber in a gentle cascade, revealing intricacies previously concealed. The vastness of the space, the patterns on the walls, the pathways that lead deeper or perhaps to an exit — all come into view. What was once an enigma becomes known, and the darkness is no longer a realm of mystery but a canvas of understanding.
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