On Fasting

[Oblio]

St. John Chrysostom on Fasting

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Do you fast? 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 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?
May HE who came to the world to save sinners strengthen us to complete the fast with humility, have mercy on us and save us


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[MariaRegina]

St. John Chrystostom is great reading. Just some thoughts:

Let us fast from sin.

But in order to fast from sin, we must learn to control what goes into our mouths, so that we can control what comes out of our mouths.

It's the little things - saying no to that candy bar -- or no to that donut.

But indulging in enough of those little things can put on weight and take our minds off God if we become slothful as a result of gluttony and lust (these three sins go together).

So instead of focusing on our need for tasty foods (being egocentric), we offer up a little discomfort for the sake of the kingdom of God and learn to be in the presence of God by constant prayer (becoming Christ centered).

Fasting can take other forms.

There is fasting from TV, the Radio, the Internet (and yes CF if it is a temptation or leads us away from prayer time).

There is fasting from dancing, alcohol, gambling and smoking.

We are to realize that we are temples of the Living God. Would you smoke in Church? No.

Those of us who are married can fast from sex on Wednesdays and Fridays in memory of Christ's betrayal by Judas [Wednesdays] and Christ's Holy Cross [Fridays].

Why do we fast? So that we can pray.

What did Christ say about fasting? That certain demons can only be driven out by prayer and fasting.

That is one reason why the Holy Church instituted a rule during apostolic times that the person being baptized as well as the presbyter baptizing should fast beforehand. [Read the DIDACHE.] During Holy Baptism, prayers of exorcism are said over the candidate for baptism.

There is an excellent book: OF WATER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT by Father Alexander Schmemann, which goes into detail on the importance of Holy Baptism.

Anyway, the whole idea behind the 40 day fast in preparation for Pascha is a baptismal fast to prepare the candidate and the congregation for New Life in Christ through Chris't Holy Passion and Resurrection.

Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!

 

[cupbearer]

Isaiah 58

St. John Chrysostom on Fasting

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Do you fast? 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 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?
May HE who came to the world to save sinners strengthen us to complete the fast with humility, have mercy on us and save us


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[nb_christseeker]

For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers?that's insightful... i should memorize that.

 

[petedaman]

isnt the word of God always amazing. i can never stop being amazed when reading what stuff comes out of that book that i thought was for holding up a table leg in my earlier days!!

 

[New Creation]

For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers?that's insightful... i should memorize that.

It is insightful isn't it?

 

[MariaRegina]

Since we are still observing the Nativity Fast until Christmas, I thought I should bump this thread.

Still very relative.
We fast primarily to say no to sin.

 

[GQ Chris]

Spiritually, I am just not there yet.