THE PROOF OF FASTING

    Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism.
        For what good is it if we abstain from birds and
        fishes, but bite and devour our brothers? 

        St. John Chrysostom

THE PROOF OF FASTING

Do You Fast? 
Give me proof of it by your works. 
If you see a poor man, lake pity on him. 
If you see a friend being honored, do not envy him. 
Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eyes,
        and the ears, and the feet, and the hands, and
        all the members of our bodies.   
Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice. 
Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin. 
Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare
        at that which is sinful… 
Let the ear fast… by not listening to evil talk
        and gossip… 
Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust  criticism.
        For what good is it if we abstain from birds and
        fishes, but bite and devour our brothers? 


From the Writings of
St. John Chrysostom