January 25 - Whoever Loves Me Will Keep My Commandments

Charity is a right attitude of mind which prefers nothing to the knowledge of God. If a man possesses any strong attachment to the things of this earth, he cannot possess true charity. For anyone who really loves God prefers to know and experience God rather than his creatures. The whole set and longing of his mind is ever directed towards him.

Maximus the Confessor was born in Constantinople and at the age of 30, received an influential court position under emperor Heraclitus. A few years later he left civil life to become a lay monk and study theological works. In his writings Maximus confronted the heresy of Monothelitism and died in 622, after being tortured for his orthodox faith. As a teacher of the spiritual life, St. Maximus gave detailed, practical guidance in how to live as a Christian, overcome sinful passions and truly love God and neighbor.