As Lent winds down into Holy Week I though it would be good to reflect on why we fast in the first place. The Gospel of St. Matthew reminds us that fasting is not for material gain or fame. 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward. 6:17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face; 6:18 that thou be not seen of men to fast, but of thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall recompense thee. 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: 6:20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: To fast reminds us that the treasures of this earth are fleeting. They are destroyed by time and desire. To fast is to bring our sinful thoughts and desires under the control of God. St. John Chrysostom on Fasting
[from Sermons on the Statutes] 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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