By the time we come to the Sunday of St John Climacus, the priest’s petitions for the catechumens have expanded to include prayers for those preparing for holy illumination. The Very Rev. Dr Chad Hatfield points out how the themes for the Lenten Sundays are a guide and instruction to those preparing to fully join the Orthodox Church, culminating in the ultimate lesson, that the only way to become perfect as God is perfect is to embrace His suffering and take it upon ourselves. By doing so, God works in us for our salvation.