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Saint Maximus

"A man of discernment, meditating on the healing Divine Providence, bears with thanksgiving the misfortunes that come to him. He sees their causes in his own sins, and not in anyone else. But a mindless man, when he sins and receives the punishment for it, considers the cause of his misfortune to be God, or people, not understanding God's care for him."

"In all our actions, God considers the intention: whether we act for Him or for some other motive."

St. Maximus the Confessor

FAITH ADMITS OF NO WEAK PRETENSE.-Maximus, after having discharged important functions at the court of Heraclius, withdrew to a monastery at Chrysopolis, in order to escape from the taint of monotheism which had begun to prevail at the court. For fear of being persecuted, he quitted the monastery and proceeded to Africa, his great reputation for sanctity, learning, and thorough orthodoxy, having drawn all eyes towards him. Constans, the successor of Heraclius, an ardent upholder of monotheism, accounted the many supporters of the doctrine as naught gained if he could not win over Maximus, who had already distinguished himself by his labors and successful efforts against this heresy. Maximus having been brought to Constantinople and treated like a malefactor, had to encounter the most violent temptations and undergo the most cruel tortures; but all was in vain. He was urged, however, to allow it to be believed, out of respect and complaisance to the emperor, that he had given in his adherence. He firmly declined, and was sentenced to be beaten with clubs, to have his tongue cut out, and his hand struck off, and to linger out his days in prison. This happened in 662. He is thought to have died the same year, at the age of eighty-two.