| This study emerged with the question: “What is the nature of Maximus' spirituality as expressed in his treatise on the Lord's Prayer?” Underlying this question are, at least, three hermeneutical questions: (1) What is the central idea in Maximus' thought that bears upon his spiritual theology? (2) Who are his most influential predecessors in the history of exegesis of the Lord's Prayer in the narrow sense, but also in spiritual theology in the broader sense? (3) How does Maximus make his own contribution as these two questions are explored?; The central concept controlling Maximus' thought basic to his explanation and analyses of the Lord's Prayer is his overriding conviction in the doctrine of the Incarnation. In fact, his affinity particularly to his two predecessors Origen and Gregory of Nyssa is related to this Christocentric/Incarnational spirituality. This is demonstrated in Maximus' treatment of the Prayer in his anagogical and/or spiritual interpretation. There is, however, clear adjustments to his sources, and Maximus does so by means of his firm conviction in the doctrine of the Incarnation according to Chalcedon. Nevertheless, he uses the theological tools handed down to him, especially by Origen, and to a greater degree by Gregory of Nyssa, to fill in the details. While there is also a progression from one petition to the next, these themes or inner constructs of his Incarnational spirituality are employed repeatedly throughout his exposition of the Prayer. |
