Johannes Klimakos (ancient Greek Ἰωάνννης Κλίμακος, also known as John of the Ladder (Klimax = “staircase”, “ladder”), * before 579; † around 649) was a saint, monk and spiritual ascetic writer who wrote in Greek. He is considered one of the most important teachers of early Hesychasm.
The more rain falls, the more it softens the earth. The more often we call on the name of Christ, undisturbed by any thought, the more fruitful he will make the soil of our hearts, making it tremble with joy and delight.
Johannes von der Leiter says that God first reveals Himself to the spirit, then to the soul, in order to purify the one He loves. Later, He grants him light that makes the spirit clairvoyant and godlike.
© BLI - Thomas Schuh 2025