In the spiritual journey, achieving dispassion towards material things is a significant milestone. However, Maximus the Confessor emphasizes that it is even more commendable to remain dispassionate when confronted with mental images of such things. The war that demons wage through thoughts is more severe than the war waged through material things.
Read MoreMaximus 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.
Read MoreMaximus 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.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreMaximus the Confessor teaches that when no conceptual image of anything worldly disturbs your intellect during prayer, you are within the realm of dispassion.
Read MoreMaximus 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.
Read MoreMaximus 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.
Read MoreMaximus 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.
Read MoreMaximus 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.
Read MoreMaximus 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.
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