The fourth Sunday of Great Lent is dedicated to St. John Climacus (also known as John of the Ladder), a revered 7th-century monk and spiritual writer. His masterpiece, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, remains one of the most profound guides to Christian asceticism and spiritual growth.
This Sunday serves as both a reminder of the spiritual struggle required for salvation and an encouragement for the faithful to persevere in their Lenten efforts. As Christ said, “He who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13).
Who Was St. John Climacus?
St. John spent 40 years as a hermit at Mount Sinai before becoming abbot of the monastery there. At the request of fellow monks, he wrote The Ladder of Divine Ascent, a 30-step spiritual guide mirroring the 30 years of Christ’s life before His public ministry.
Each step represents a virtue to acquire or a sin to overcome, leading the soul upward toward union with God. The book begins with a powerful statement:
“God is life and salvation for all whom free will is given as a gift.”
This emphasizes that every moment presents a choice—will we ascend toward God or descend into sin?
The Spiritual Struggle: Why This Sunday Matters
Great Lent is a journey of repentance and transformation, and St. John Climacus teaches us that spiritual growth requires effort. Unlike the ease of falling into sin, ascending toward holiness demands constant vigilance, prayer, and self-discipline.
Key Lessons from The Ladder of Divine Ascent
Self-Knowledge Through Others
Often, what irritates us in others is a reflection of our own weaknesses.
St. John teaches that other people act as mirrors—if a trait in someone angers us, it may be because we struggle with the same flaw.
“The worst feature in our enemy is our own bad feature.”
Love Your Neighbor (and Your Enemy)
Loving others—even enemies—becomes possible when we recognize our shared struggles.
True spiritual ascent requires humility, forgiveness, and love.
The Role of Prayer and Fasting
Just as the Transfiguration revealed Christ’s divine glory, our own transformation happens through prayer and fasting.
Like the father in the Gospel who cried, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24), we must continually seek God’s grace.
Hymns and Liturgical Significance
The Church honors St. John with beautiful hymns that highlight his spiritual wisdom:
Troparion (Tone 1)
Dweller of the desert and angel in the body,
You were shown to be a wonder-worker, our God-bearing Father John.
You received heavenly gifts through fasting, vigil, and prayer:
Healing the sick and the souls of those drawn to you by faith.
Glory to Him who gave you strength!
Glory to Him who granted you a crown!
Glory to Him who through you grants healing to all!
Kontakion (Tone 4)
The Lord truly set you on the heights of abstinence,
To be a guiding star, showing the way to the universe,
O our Father and Teacher John.
Why Should Non-Monks Read The Ladder?
Though written for monks, the lessons apply to all Christians. We all seek transformation—from sinfulness to holiness, from weakness to strength.
St. John’s Ladder reminds us that spiritual progress is gradual, requiring:
Patience (growth happens step by step)
Perseverance (even when we stumble)
Trust in God (He gives strength to those who seek Him)
Conclusion: Climbing the Ladder During Lent
As we continue our Lenten journey, let us reflect on St. John’s teachings:
Examine your heart—what weaknesses do you see in others that may reflect your own?
Persist in prayer and fasting—these disciplines strengthen faith.
Keep climbing—salvation is a lifelong ascent toward God.
May St. John Climacus guide us upward, rung by rung, until we reach the heavenly glory Christ promises to those who endure.