Awake, O north wind,
and come, O south wind!
Blow upon my garden,
let its fragrance be wafted abroad.
Let my beloved come to his garden,
and eat its choicest fruits.
(Song of Solomon 4:16)

My fellow pilgrims may God bless you. I’ve begun reading The Ladder of Divine Ascent by Saint John of the Ladder (a.k.a. St. John Climacus). I cannot say that I am prepared to read such a work. I long for the holiness of the saints but I am so caught up in the things of this world. Nonetheless, I am encouraged reading the words of St. John of the Ladder.

Of course, he is writing primarily for monks and not for those of us with wives and children and jobs. But he did not forget us:

“Some people living carelessly in the world have asked me ‘We have wives and are beset with social cares, and how can we lead the solitary life?’ “I replied to them, ‘Do all the good you can. Do not speak evil of anyone. Do not steal from anyone. Do not lie to anyone. Do not be arrogant towards anyone. Do not hate anyone. Do not be absent from the divine services. Be compassionate to the needy. Do not offend anyone. Do not wreck another man’s domestic happiness and be content with what your own wives can give you. If you behave in this way, you will not be far from the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Simple enough, right? The closer I examine myself the more clear it is to me that I have a long way to go. All to easily I can speak evil of another, lie and be arrogant, hate and lack compassion, etc. I have also been “absent from divine services” far too often. Perhaps it is simple but it is not easy. In fact, it’s impossible without the mercies and grace of God. I have no reason to boast except in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31).

With the help of Christ, the Holy Spirit and intercessory prayer, perhaps I will climb that ladder of divine ascent. “If you behave in this way, you will not be far from the Kingdom of Heaven.” But for now, my feet are on the ground of this world and I am even challenged by the first rung of the ladder.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation[.]
(2 Corinthians 1:3)

May God bless you.

[Seventh Sunday of Easter, Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord]