St. Jerome refers to the patriarch Jacob’s dream of a ladder stretching from earth to heaven, and on which angels ascend and descend, in letters of spiritual advice over a long range of years. This paper analyzes how Jerome uses the story to motivate his correspondents. In Ep. 54 to Furia and Ep. 118 to Julian, Jerome strikingly inserts an image of Christ himself at the top of the ladder, reaching out to help those who are climbing up. Yet in Ep. 108, Jerome eulogizes Paula by saying not only does Christ seek to aid those who are climbing up, but Christ also throws down those who have been "careless" (neglegens). What accounts for the differences in Jerome’s ways of utilizing this Biblical example?
Examining the individual context of each letter and what Jerome perceived to be the needs of his correspondents should explain some of the subtle and striking variations. Additional context can also be found in Jerome’s commentary on Psalm 119 and again in two homilies about Psalm 119. In general, Jerome keeps the focus on the upward climb and the rewards to be found for continuing the struggle, but he reminds his audience that the consequences of failing to strive are real, too. Jerome’s use of the image helps his correspondents to visualize themselves as part of the grander narrative of salvation history and emphasizes both the Christian’s endurance and an empathetic Savior.
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