Day Thirty-Five of Lent – “It is Finished”
March 30, 2026
FEAST OF SAINT PETER REGALADO – 30th MARCH
March 30, 2026
THE SPIRITUAL LIFE IS GRADUAL
“Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal…”
— Philippians 3:13-14
St. John Climacus taught that holiness unfolds step by step, like climbing a ladder. As a young man, he left the world and entered the monastery at Mount Sinai, where he spent years in obedience and discipline before advancing in deeper prayer. His famous work, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, reflects this steady journey toward God, reminding us that growth in grace is gradual and requires perseverance.
THE REAL BATTLE IS WITHIN
“I delight in the law of God in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war…”
— Romans 7:22-23
St. John experienced intense inner struggles during his years as a hermit in the desert. Though removed from worldly distractions, he faced temptations of pride, discouragement, and spiritual dryness. He taught that the greatest battles are fought in the heart, where thoughts and desires must be purified for true union with God.
SILENCE REVEALS TRUTH
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10
Seeking deeper communion with God, St. John withdrew into solitude for nearly forty years. In the silence of the desert, he encountered both his weaknesses and God’s presence more clearly. Pilgrims who visited him found wisdom flowing from his quiet life, showing that silence opens the soul to truth and divine insight.
THE INCARNATION IS CENTRAL
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
— John 1:14
At the heart of Sixtus III’s witness was the truth of the Incarnation. God truly entered human history in Jesus Christ. This mystery stands at the center of Christian faith—God is not distant, but Emmanuel, God with us.
HUMILITY IS THE FOUNDATION
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.”
— James 4:10
Despite his wisdom and reputation, St. John remained deeply humble. When he was later called to become the abbot of the monastery at Sinai, he accepted reluctantly, seeing leadership as a call to serve rather than to be honored. He emphasized that every step toward God must be grounded in humility, for pride can undo even the greatest spiritual progress.
LOVE IS THE GOAL
“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:13
At the summit of the spiritual life, St. John placed love as the highest virtue. In his writings, he described love as complete union with God. After years of ascetic practice and prayer, his life radiated charity and wisdom, drawing others closer to God. His journey teaches that all spiritual effort ultimately leads to perfect love.
LOVE IS THE GOAL
“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:13
At the summit of the spiritual life, St. John placed love as the highest virtue. In his writings, he described love as complete union with God. After years of ascetic practice and prayer, his life radiated charity and wisdom, drawing others closer to God. His journey teaches that all spiritual effort ultimately leads to perfect love.
PRAYER INSPIRED BY ST. JOHN CLIMACUS
O God of the hidden journey,
You guided St. John Climacus to climb step by step toward You.
Teach us patience in our struggles, humility in our growth, and perseverance in our faith.
Help us to let go of what holds us back and to seek You above all things.
Lead us, step by step, to the fullness of Your love.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen
