Maximus the Confessor describes the highest state of dispassion as one where the conceptual images in the heart remain free from passion, whether the body is awake or asleep. This state is achieved through fulfilling commandments, contemplating visible things, and ultimately knowing the Holy Trinity.
Read MoreMaximus the Confessor teaches that those who have attained virtues and spiritual knowledge see things clearly in their true nature. Such individuals act and speak appropriately in all circumstances, never falling into delusion. How we use things—rightly or wrongly—determines our moral character.
Read MoreIn 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.
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