Arise, daughter, and come. Ascend to higher places. Allow My Spirit to draw you ever closer.

In the darkness of time and space I AM. In the recess of your mind, you will find Me. In the darkest of dark, in the deepest of deep I am with you.

I AM.

I AM the Bread of Life. I AM the blood poured out. I AM the author and finisher of your faith.

I AM the tender of your vineyard. I AM the pruner of the vine. I AM He who waters the dry soil of your life.

"Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I AM gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. " (Matthew 11:28-30)

Arise, daughter, arise. Ascend to higher places.

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The point of reference in this writing is the two sets of three steps leading up to the Sanctuary at St Patrick-Waukon and to the high altar. Initially I was drawn towards the marble side altar surrounding our Blessed Mother. There, on the side, was an engraving containing images of grape vines and wheat.

As I embraced the sacred silence the invitation, “Kristi, look! Three steps…and three more steps” drew my attention to the one speaking these words. Immediately my mind went to last month’s Sacred Writers Workshop teaching on symbols on tombstones and how often we see crucifixes affixed to a three-tier platform representing Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The words above quickly flowed from the tip of my pen.

A search later revealed additional insight into three steps:

1.     The Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, and Love

2.     The Pascal Mystery: Passion, Death, and Resurrection

3.     Heart of Repentance: Confession of Sin, Desire for God, and Union with Christ

4.     Ordination: Diaconate, Priesthood, Episcopacy

5.     And, our Spiritual Ascent