Matins reading from Maximus the Great, Jan. 21

 A timeless message from St. Maximus the Great whom we remember on January 21st. The icon was a gift to the community from the iconographer Robert Lentz, OFM.




Matins reading from Maximus the Great, Jan. 21

The Lord reminds us in the gospels, “Whoever loves me will keep my commandments. And this is my commandment: that you love one another.” So, those who do not love their neighbor do not obey God’s command. But those who do not obey this command cannot love God. People are blest if they can love everyone equally. Moreover, if they truly love God, they must love their neighbor absolutely. Such people cannot hoard their wealth. Rather, like God, they generously give from their own resources to each according to their needs.

Since they imitate God’s generosity, the only distinction God draws is the person’s need. God does not distinguish between a good person and a bad one, a just person and one who is unjust. Yet God’s own goodness of will makes God prefer the person who strives after virtue to the one who is depraved.

A charitable mind is not displayed simply in giving money; it is manifested still more by personal service as well as by the communication of God’s word to others. In fact, if people’s service toward their brothers and sisters is genuine and if they really renounce worldly concerns, they are freed from selfish desires. For they now share in God’s own knowledge and love. Since they do possess God’s love, they do not experience weariness as they follow the Lord their God. Rather, following the prophet Jeremiah, they withstand every type of reproach and hardship without even harboring an evil thought toward anyone.

For Jeremiah warns us: Do not say “We are the Lord’s temple.” Neither should you say: “Faith alone in our Lord Jesus Christ can save me.” By itself faith accomplishes nothing. For even the devils believe and shudder. No, faith must be joined to an active love of God that is expressed in good works. Charitable people are distinguished by sincere and long-suffering service to their neighbor: it also means using things rightly.

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