Let all those coming to this marvelous, tough, and painful -- though also easy -- contest leap, as it were, into a fire, so that a non-material flame may take up residence within them. But let each one test himself, draw food and drink from the bread of pain and the cup of weeping, lest he march himself to judgment. (John Climacus)

The Ladder is written especially for monastics. But lessons can be found for those still in the world.

Enthusiasm -- the Greek is en theos, to be possessed by God -- is absolutely a characteristic of faith. But no amount of enthusiasm will avoid the bread of pain and the cup of weeping.

In the Eucharist we recall the pain of Jesus on the cross and are reminded that God is with us, especially in suffering.

In the pain of Jesus, in the pain of others, and in our own pain there is much to learn. When pain comes, what does its cause and effect tell us of God's intention?

We may often find the cause of pain is random, accidental. But in responding to the pain of another, love can be a consequence of pain.