Climbing the Ladder of Divine Ascent

On this Fourth Sunday of Great Lent, the Church places before us the example of St. John Climacus, a humble monk of Sinai who spent decades in prayer and wrote one of the greatest spiritual guides ever known: The Ladder of Divine Ascent.

The image of a ladder is powerful. It tells us that the spiritual life is not a single moment of conversion, but a lifelong journey. We climb one rung at a time. Some days we slip. Some days we rest. But always, the Lord is above us, reaching down with His hand to lift us higher.

St. John describes thirty steps on this ladder, beginning with renunciation of the world and ending with faith, hope, and love. Along the way, he speaks honestly about the struggles we all face: anger, pride, discouragement, and the temptation to give up. But he also speaks of the tremendous grace that meets us when we make even the smallest effort.

Great Lent is our time to climb. We do not need to reach the top today. We only need to take the next step. Perhaps that step is forgiving someone who hurt us. Perhaps it is returning to prayer after a long absence. Perhaps it is simply showing up, as you have today, and opening your heart to God.

Whatever rung you are standing on right now, know that Christ is with you. He does not demand perfection. He asks only for a willing heart. Take the next step. He will meet you there.

Let us continue this holy season with renewed courage, trusting in the mercy of our Lord, who desires not the death of a sinner but that all should turn to Him and live.