In the last issue I began to present the ideas of John Climacus about POVERTY, the 17th Step on his Ladder of Ascent – his blueprint of how we become holy people. He suggests   that we proceed one step at a time towards this goal and then points out his idea that there are actually 30 steps to achieving this goal.

He reminds us, at this 17th Step, that those who practice voluntary poverty are the ones who are truly rich, because they are freed of need and world concerns. John suggests that as we “need less” in our lives, we can be freed to share more. The less attached to the things of this world we become, the more we discover inner peace and true freedom. By contrast, the more attached to worldly things we become, the more we come into conflict with one another.

Poverty, in spiritual life, is a virtue, but the state of poverty in and of itself does not usually lead to peace and freedom from worldly needs and desires, but the exact opposite. The evils caused by avarice tend to become more acute in times of poverty. This is because someone who is poor can still be avaricious, and the greater his poverty, the more desperate he becomes to acquire what he needs or desires.

Voluntary poverty is a virtue because it is an expression of self-denying love: through a practice of self-denial we are able to live a frugal life, enabling us to give more to others. Poverty is therefore a sacrifice of the will, a surrender of our worldly desires for love of God and neighbor. That is why poverty is the virtue that overcomes avarice.

In our modern world, this is one of the more difficult Steps on John’s Ladder. It takes a lot of thought and true dedication to God’s way of living.