This Lent, I chose to journey with the icon of The Ladder of Divine Ascent, a powerful visual representation of the soul’s movement toward God. I first encountered this icon several years ago during my Spirituality studies at the University of Malta. For one of my assignments, I wrote a reflective paper on Soul Provider by Edward L. Beck. In his book, Beck draws inspiration from the ancient ascetical text The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus, written around 600 AD, and offers meaningful insights into how its wisdom can be applied to modern life.

I’d like to share with you some of the reflections and questions that have accompanied me on my Lenten path. I created a simple, quiet prayer space, a place where I could centre myself and minimize distractions (photo above). I would often play gentle Gregorian chant in the background (link to my playlist), setting the tone for a few minutes of silent reflection.

Each session, I would meditate on a short passage, many a times it was just one sentence, from Scripture and consider a few guiding questions I had prepared in advance. These moments became a precious rhythm during this Lent, small steps on the ladder toward a deeper awareness of God’s presence.

I offer these humble thoughts with the hope that they may help you draw nearer to God, as they have helped me.

Blessings on your journey.

Introduction

The Ladder of Divine Ascent icon is not just a symbol, it is a mirror. It shows us the struggle, the beauty, and the drama of the Christian life. It invites us to examine our hearts and ask: Where am I in the journey toward God?

Each rung represents a virtue, a battle, a step away from self and a step toward the divine. The goal is union with Christ, who lovingly extends His hand from above. But the journey is not easy. We are not alone, but we must be awake, intentional, and humble. Let this guide be a gentle companion as you sit in silence before the icon. Don’t rush. Let each question and reflection draw you deeper.

Where am I on the ladder?

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”

Ps 139:23

The ladder is not linear. Some days we rise, other days we slip. What matters most is our direction and our desire. The Lord is not keeping score, He is looking for a heart turned toward Him.

Questions for reflection:

• Where am I currently in my spiritual journey?
• Am I ascending with desire, or standing still out of fear, doubt, or fatigue?
• What step is God inviting me to take next?

Wrestling with temptation

“The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Mt 26:41

The demons that pull climbers from the ladder in the icon are real. Pride, lust, vanity, despair, distraction. They do not always appear as monsters, sometimes they come disguised as comfort, success, or even false holiness.

Questions for reflection:

• What recurring struggles knock me off balance?
• When I fall, do I let shame keep me down, or do I return to God?
• Am I fighting in my own strength, or calling on Christ to help me?

Community and companions

“Two are better than one… If one falls, the other will lift up his companion.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

No one climbs alone. The saints cheer us on. Our brothers and sisters walk beside us. And sometimes, we carry others, or are carried. Spiritual pride isolates; humility draws us into communion.

Questions for reflection:

• Who has helped me climb? Have I thanked them?
• Do I allow others to see my struggle, or do I hide it?
• Am I mentoring or encouraging someone behind me on the path?

Pride or humility?

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

James 4:6

Some who ascend fall not because of weakness, but pride. The higher we climb, the more temptation we face to trust in our own strength. The only safe ascent is with bowed head and open hands.

Questions for reflection:

• Do I secretly believe I am more “advanced” than others?
• How do I respond when I am corrected or humbled?
• Can I rejoice in others’ growth as much as my own?

Fixing my eyes on Christ

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…”

Hebrews 12:2

At the top of the ladder stands Christ, not merely as a destination, but as our hope, strength, and companion. We do not climb to Him alone, we climb with Him. He reaches down. He lifts.

Questions for reflection:

• Do I see Christ as near and personal, or far and distant?
• Is my faith rooted in love, or fear, or duty?
• What would change if I truly believed Christ was holding my hand?

Letting go to rise

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 5:3

You cannot ascend with a heavy heart or clenched fists. Every rung requires a letting go, of ego, possessions, attachments, even wounds. What we refuse to release may be the very weight holding us back.

Questions for reflection:

• What am I clinging to that God may be asking me to surrender?
• Have I mistaken comfort for peace?
• What freedom lies on the other side of letting go?

Prayer and stillness

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

Psalm 46:10

Ascending isn’t always action. Sometimes it’s silence. Stillness. A hidden offering. The monks climbed through obedience and prayer, through tears and listening. The soul is shaped in quietness.

Questions for reflection:

• How do I make space for silence in my day?
• When I pray, do I speak more than I listen?
• Is there a part of me that resists quiet and why?

Perseverance and hope

“He who endures to the end shall be saved.”

Matthew 24:13

The climb is lifelong. There are moments of rest, but not retirement. And yet, God is patient. He waits. The saints fell too, but they kept rising. Grace is always within reach.

Questions for reflection:

• What helps me keep going when I feel discouraged?
• Do I trust that God’s mercy is bigger than my weakness?
• How would I live today if I believed heaven was already reaching for me?

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Let my heart rise to You, rung by rung, moment by moment.
When I fall, lift me. When I grow proud, humble me.
When I am tired, breathe Your Spirit into me.
Let me never stop climbing toward You, my God and my home.
Amen.