The Purified Intellect

Maximus the Confessor teaches that just as the physical eye is attracted to the beauty of visible things, the purified intellect is drawn to the knowledge of invisible, incorporeal things.

centuries on loveJustin YawnJuly 31, 2024St. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal ChurchMaximus, Maximos, early church, st francis in-the-field, justin yawn, patristics, contemplative, ponte vedra, Episcopal Church

Dreams and Spiritual Health

Maximus the Confessor observes that when the soul starts to feel its own good health, the images in its dreams are also calm and free from passion.

centuries on loveJustin YawnJuly 29, 2024St. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal ChurchMaximus, Maximos, early church, st francis in-the-field, justin yawn, patristics, contemplative, ponte vedra, Episcopal Church

Around the Table: My Experience

As I reflect on my sabbatical journey, the table became more than I ever realized. It is a place of learning, love, laughter, difficulty, and connection. It is very clear to me that Jesus chose meals intentionally to be a medium for His teachings because dining together inherently involves a deep level of vulnerability and connection. Sharing a meal requires us to open up and let down our guard, allowing for genuine connection. The table, in its humble simplicity, reminds us of our dependence on the creation and the intricate balance of the cosmos that sustains our lives.

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Dispassionate Prayer

Maximus the Confessor teaches that when no conceptual image of anything worldly disturbs your intellect during prayer, you are within the realm of dispassion.

centuries on loveJustin YawnJuly 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 Pure Intellect

Maximus the Confessor explains that a pure intellect, when receiving conceptual images of things, is moved to contemplate them spiritually. However, if sullied through indolence, even generally passion-free images concerning people can produce shameful or wicked thoughts.

centuries on loveJustin YawnJuly 24, 2024St. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal ChurchMaximus, Maximos, early church, st francis in-the-field, justin yawn, patristics, contemplative, ponte vedra, Episcopal Church

The Free Intellect

Maximus the Confessor teaches that an intellect free from passions can proceed undistracted to the contemplation of created beings, ultimately making its way toward knowledge of the Holy Trinity.

centuries on loveJustin YawnJuly 22, 2024St. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal ChurchMaximus, Maximos, early church, st francis in-the-field, justin yawn, patristics, contemplative, ponte vedra, Episcopal Church

The Sparrow and the Intellect

Maximus the Confessor compares the intellect struggling with passions to a sparrow tied by the leg, trying to fly but being pulled back to the earth. Similarly, the intellect striving for heavenly knowledge is hindered by earthly passions.

centuries on loveJustin YawnJuly 19, 2024St. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal ChurchMaximus, Maximos, early church, st francis in-the-field, justin yawn, patristics, contemplative, ponte vedra, Episcopal Church

The Process of Sin

Maximus the Confessor outlines the process by which sin takes root in the soul. First, a passion-free thought enters the intellect. If it lingers, it arouses passion. If the passion is not eradicated, it persuades the intellect to assent, leading to the actual sin. Therefore, St. Paul advises eliminating the actual sin first and then addressing the underlying causes, such as greed.

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

Mortifying the Earthly

Maximus the Confessor interprets St. Paul’s instruction to mortify the earthly aspects of ourselves. He explains that unchastity, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and greed must be eradicated. These terms represent various stages and expressions of the will of the flesh, which must be subdued.

centuries on loveJustin YawnJuly 15, 2024St. Francis in-the-Field Episcopal ChurchMaximus, Maximos, early church, st francis in-the-field, justin yawn, patristics, contemplative, ponte vedra, Episcopal Church

Perfect Love and Fear

Maximus the Confessor explains that perfect love expels the first kind of fear, which is based on punishment. However, the second kind of fear, which is pure and linked with love, remains united with perfect love. This second fear is enduring and is characterized by a reverence that prevents spiritual indifference.

centuries on loveJustin YawnJuly 12, 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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