Episode 1: Climbing the rungs (25 mins.)
Visiting St. Catherine’s Monastery in the Sinai desert, Fr. Beck tells Tom Fox, he was inspired by an icon of the Ladder of Divine Ascent, which had been inspired by St. John Climacus’ 7th century spiritual guide. “It kind of stuck with me that a spiritual journey can be likened this [icon]. There is ascent and descent and sometimes you fall off. Taking three steps forward and one step back.” Even though Climacus had written the book centuries ago, it still seemed relevant, Fr. Beck says “The themes themselves were perennial.”
Soul Provider: Making old spirituality new
In his latest book, Soul Provider: Steps to Limitless Love, Passionist Fr. Edward L. Beck gives a contemporary spin to the timeless themes of the seventh-century classic The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus. Beck illustrates St. John Climacus’ 30 steps to spiritual fulfillment with anecdotes and examples. A review of the book by the Cleveland Plain Dealer says, “Fr. Beck has assembled a beautiful collection of stories from real people with real problems and real faith.”
This is a copy of the icon that inspired St. John Climacus and Fr. Beck.
More about the author
In addition to giving retreats and workshops on spirituality nationally and internationally, Beck writes and develops mainstream television and film projects and is a commentator on religious and faith issues for various media outlets. His other books are Unlikely Ways Home: Real Life Spiritual Detours and God Underneath: Spiritual Memoirs of a Catholic Priest. He lives in New York City.
