The Art of Spiritual Life

4.51. Let us not reject the medicines given by our spiritual fathers

4th Step – On Obedience

The Ladder of Divine Ascent was written primarily for monks. However, the words of Saint John Climacus at the beginning of the first chapter indicate that his intention is to address every person who longs for salvation. He says: “The gates of eternal life are open to all. The goal of our life is to follow Christ and to become like Him in His divine love.”

Evergetinos 51

Hypothesis 13

 

4.50. The importance of spiritual guidance

4th Step – On Obedience

The Ladder of Divine Ascent was written primarily for monks. However, the words of Saint John Climacus at the beginning of the first chapter indicate that his intention is to address every person who longs for salvation. He says: “The gates of eternal life are open to all. The goal of our life is to follow Christ and to become like Him in His divine love.”

4.49. Expelling the Spirit of talkativeness

4th Step – On Obedience

The Ladder of Divine Ascent was written primarily for monks. However, the words of Saint John Climacus at the beginning of the first chapter indicate that his intention is to address every person who longs for salvation. He says: “The gates of eternal life are open to all. The goal of our life is to follow Christ and to become like Him in His divine love.”

4.48. Defeat verbosity

4th Step – On Obedience

The Ladder of Divine Ascent was written primarily for monks. However, the words of Saint John Climacus at the beginning of the first chapter indicate that his intention is to address every person who longs for salvation. He says: “The gates of eternal life are open to all. The goal of our life is to follow Christ and to become like Him in His divine love.”

4.47. Practicing humility

4th Step – On Obedience

The Ladder of Divine Ascent was written primarily for monks. However, the words of Saint John Climacus at the beginning of the first chapter indicate that his intention is to address every person who longs for salvation. He says: “The gates of eternal life are open to all. The goal of our life is to follow Christ and to become like Him in His divine love.”

4.46. Drive out all snakes

4th Step – On Obedience

The Ladder of Divine Ascent was written primarily for monks. However, the words of Saint John Climacus at the beginning of the first chapter indicate that his intention is to address every person who longs for salvation. He says: “The gates of eternal life are open to all. The goal of our life is to follow Christ and to become like Him in His divine love.”

4.45. Sincere love for the spiritual father

4th Step – On Obedience

The Ladder of Divine Ascent was written primarily for monks. However, the words of Saint John Climacus at the beginning of the first chapter indicate that his intention is to address every person who longs for salvation. He says: “The gates of eternal life are open to all. The goal of our life is to follow Christ and to become like Him in His divine love.”

4.44. The standard is the gospel

4th Step – On Obedience

The Ladder of Divine Ascent was written primarily for monks. However, the words of Saint John Climacus at the beginning of the first chapter indicate that his intention is to address every person who longs for salvation. He says: “The gates of eternal life are open to all. The goal of our life is to follow Christ and to become like Him in His divine love.”

4.43. The path to a new life

4th Step – On Obedience

The Ladder of Divine Ascent was written primarily for monks. However, the words of Saint John Climacus at the beginning of the first chapter indicate that his intention is to address every person who longs for salvation. He says: “The gates of eternal life are open to all. The goal of our life is to follow Christ and to become like Him in His divine love.”

4.42. Respect the uniqueness of the person

4th Step – On Obedience

The Ladder of Divine Ascent was written primarily for monks. However, the words of Saint John Climacus at the beginning of the first chapter indicate that his intention is to address every person who longs for salvation. He says: “The gates of eternal life are open to all. The goal of our life is to follow Christ and to become like Him in His divine love.”

4.41. Prison or hospital?

4th Step – On Obedience

The Ladder of Divine Ascent was written primarily for monks. However, the words of Saint John Climacus at the beginning of the first chapter indicate that his intention is to address every person who longs for salvation. He says: “The gates of eternal life are open to all. The goal of our life is to follow Christ and to become like Him in His divine love.”

Homily - May 31, 2026

Homily - May 25, 2026

4.40. Obedience to God's Word

4th Step – On Obedience

The Ladder of Divine Ascent was written primarily for monks. However, the words of Saint John Climacus at the beginning of the first chapter indicate that his intention is to address every person who longs for salvation. He says: “The gates of eternal life are open to all. The goal of our life is to follow Christ and to become like Him in His divine love.”

4.39. The importance of expressing thoughts

4th Step – On Obedience

The Ladder of Divine Ascent was written primarily for monks. However, the words of Saint John Climacus at the beginning of the first chapter indicate that his intention is to address every person who longs for salvation. He says: “The gates of eternal life are open to all. The goal of our life is to follow Christ and to become like Him in His divine love.”

4.38. Obedience to ascetic exercises

4th Step – On Obedience

The Ladder of Divine Ascent was written primarily for monks. However, the words of Saint John Climacus at the beginning of the first chapter indicate that his intention is to address every person who longs for salvation. He says: “The gates of eternal life are open to all. The goal of our life is to follow Christ and to become like Him in His divine love.”

4.37. Repentance not as punishment, but as medicine

4th Step – On Obedience

The Ladder of Divine Ascent was written primarily for monks. However, the words of Saint John Climacus at the beginning of the first chapter indicate that his intention is to address every person who longs for salvation. He says: “The gates of eternal life are open to all. The goal of our life is to follow Christ and to become like Him in His divine love.”

4.36. A rule for life

4th Step – On Obedience

The Ladder of Divine Ascent was written primarily for monks. However, the words of Saint John Climacus at the beginning of the first chapter indicate that his intention is to address every person who longs for salvation. He says: “The gates of eternal life are open to all. The goal of our life is to follow Christ and to become like Him in His divine love.”

4.35. Safe way

4th Step – On Obedience

The Ladder of Divine Ascent was written primarily for monks. However, the words of Saint John Climacus at the beginning of the first chapter indicate that his intention is to address every person who longs for salvation. He says: “The gates of eternal life are open to all. The goal of our life is to follow Christ and to become like Him in His divine love.”

Homily - May 24, 2026

Homily - May 17, 2026

Homily - May 14, 2026

4.34. Trials to strengthen others

4th Step – On Obedience

The Ladder of Divine Ascent was written primarily for monks. However, the words of Saint John Climacus at the beginning of the first chapter indicate that his intention is to address every person who longs for salvation. He says: “The gates of eternal life are open to all. The goal of our life is to follow Christ and to become like Him in His divine love.”

4.33. The importance of choosing a spiritual father

4th Step – On Obedience

The Ladder of Divine Ascent was written primarily for monks. However, the words of Saint John Climacus at the beginning of the first chapter indicate that his intention is to address every person who longs for salvation. He says: “The gates of eternal life are open to all. The goal of our life is to follow Christ and to become like Him in His divine love.”