The Proof of Fasting

Do You Fast? by St. John Chrysostom

Give me proof of it by your works. If you see a poor man, take pity on him. If you see a friend being honored, do not envy him. Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eye,

and the ear, and the feet, and the hands, and

all the members of our bodies.

Let the hands fast, by being free from 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? ~St. John Chrysostom

*Excerpt from "Daily readings from Writings of St. John Chrysostom" by Fr. Anthony Coniaris