Maximus of Turin

In his own words on Deuteronomy

• Deuteronomy 9:9

  Fasting these forty days and nights, holy Moses too merited to speak with God, to stand and stay with him and to receive the precepts of the law from his hand. For although this human condition prevented him from seeing God, yet the grace of his fasting drew him into close contact with the Divinity. For to fast frequently is a portion of God's virtues in ourselves, since God himself always fasts. He is more familiar, intimate and friendly with the person in whom he sees more of his works, as Scripture says, "And Moses spoke with God face to face like one speaking with his friend."

  Sermon 35.4

• Deuteronomy 19:15

  At the birth of the Savior, then, there was fulfilled that divine sentence which says, "Every word shall stand with two or three witnesses." For see, the Word of God is born with the Trinity as witness. For indeed, in the womb of holy Mary—when the Holy Spirit comes upon her, when the Most High overshadows her, when Christ is begotten—there is implied a confession of faith in him.

  SERMON 61B.3