Day 4 · The Nativity Fast
Jacob's Ladder
“He dreamt and saw a stairway set upon the earth, and its top reached to heaven. Behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.”Genesis 28:12
Reflection
Running from his brother, Jacob slept with a stone for a pillow and dreamed of a stairway joining earth to heaven, with angels going up and down on it. Christ later told Nathanael that he himself is that meeting place: “you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (John 1:51). The Church's hymns also greet the Mother of God as the “Ladder lofty, which Jacob saw,” because through her the Son of God came down to us. At the Nativity, heaven and earth are joined, not by our climbing up, but by God's coming down.
A prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, you came down to us so that we might be lifted up to you. When I feel far from heaven, remind me that you have already crossed the distance. Through the prayers of your most pure Mother, bring me closer to you each day of this Fast. Amen.
Carry this with you
Where in your life does heaven feel far away? Ask Christ to meet you there.