Christ is Risen! Once and for all, we have to stop trying to figure things out. God can illumine our mind and give us insight into the nature of things, but we can’t figure it out. We don’t have the equipment to do it, and we should stop trying. Father Thomas Hopko I have been… Continue reading Maxim Monday Week 37
Tag: Maxim Mondays
Maxim Monday Week 36
Welcome back to Maxim Mondays! After a very long break I determined that I need to begin again this discussion of the 55 Maxims I started well over a year ago. I have had two reminders over this past weekend that has brought up this wonderful list that Fr. Thomas Hopko, of blessed memory, created… Continue reading Maxim Monday Week 36
Maxim Week 35
We are well over half-way through the 55 Maxims Fr. Thomas Hopko has shared with us. Fifty-five maxims of Christian Living, maxims to work towards on our path to salvation. I've quite enjoyed digging into them and I hope that you have as well. Today, week 35... Think and talk about things no more than… Continue reading Maxim Week 35
Maxim Week 34
Be awake, and be attentive. Be fully present where you are—wakefulness, watchfulness, attentiveness.Fr. Thomas Hopko This is a greatly important Maxim. I think one of the most important. We often live in the past or the future. Rarely in the moment. I am currently reading a book called "Time and Despondency: Regaining the Present in… Continue reading Maxim Week 34
Maxim Week 33
Listen when people talk to you. To be attentive to others is one of the greatest gifts. Keep your mind awake and pay attention when people speak to you.Fr. Thomas Hopko It is really true, being a good listener is one of the greatest gifts you can give anybody! Acquiring peace, as St. Seraphim talks… Continue reading Maxim Week 33
Maxim Week 32
Never bring attention to yourself. Never,consciously, bring attention to yourself. Wherever you are, do what the other people do. That’s especially important in Church. When you go to Church, do what the people there are doing. It’s what St. Ambrose told to St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine, when she asked: “What should I… Continue reading Maxim Week 32
Maxim Week 31
After a 2 week hiatus from Maxim Mondays, we return today with Week 31. Be simple, hidden, quiet, and small. The Holy Fathers say: “If you want to be known by God, seek not to be known by people.”And again, it’s simplicity, hiddenness, quiet, smallness.Fr. Thomas Hopko I've been mulling this over in my mind.… Continue reading Maxim Week 31
Maxim Week 30
Week 30 of Fr. Thomas Hopko's 55 Maxims is probably one of my favorites. Yet, it is difficult for me. Be cheerful. Act cheerful, even if you don’t feel like it, especially in the presence of others.Fr. Thomas Hopko I love this quote by St. Seraphim about cheerfulness. Fr. Thomas says, "act cheerful, even if… Continue reading Maxim Week 30
Maxim Week 29
Welcome to Maxim Monday, week 29: Be grateful in all things! Fr. Thomas Hopko did not expound on this maxim. I think it is pretty self-explanatory. Giving thanks is commanded of us in scripture time and time again. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of… Continue reading Maxim Week 29
Maxim Week 28
Last week was a very chaotic week and yet, at the same time, a down week. It was a down week in that I was literally down, in bed with a bug. The days not spent in bed were spent trying to catch up. You all know how it is. Needless to say, we missed… Continue reading Maxim Week 28
Kindler of Joy! 