Learning about the Incarnation from Maximos the Confessor

“A sure warrant for looking forward with hope to the deification of human nature is provided by the incarnation of God, which makes man god to the same degree as God Himself became man.  For it is clear that He who became man without sin (cf. Heb 4:15) will divinize human nature without changing it into the divine nature, and will raise it up for His own sake to the same degree as He lowered himself for man's sake. This is what St Paul teaches mystically when he says, '. . . that in the ages to come He might display the overflowing riches of His grace' (Eph 2:7)." 

    

~ Maximos the Confessor, The Philokalia, Text 62, First Century of Various Texts

    
TALK ABOUT IT  What do you think about the Incarnation as the means of atonement (uniting human and divine natures)?  Why then the Crucifixion?  
  
NOTE
Maximos notes that it is love that unites those who have been divided and is able to create a unity of will and purpose.  The praxis he recommends is "simply that we should show mercy and receive mercy" (Text 45).  
  
DOING IT (INNER PRACTICE)  How are you being called to practice receiving mercy? 
  
DOING IT (OUTER PRACTICE)  How are you being called to practice showing mercy?
     
LEARNING FROM MAXIMOS THE CONFESSOR: CHURCH OF RECONCILIATION