4.12. Acquiring contrite heart

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.”

The reflections offered here are intended as preparation for formation meetings. They focus on the teaching of Saint John Climacus about the stages of spiritual ascent, which we find in his famous work, The Ladder.