“Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works. If you see a poor person, take pity. If you see a friend being honored, do not be envious. Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eye, 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 sins. Let the eye 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 criticisms.
For what good is it if we abstain from fowl and fishes, but bite and devour our sister or brother? It is folly to abstain all day long from food, but fail to abstain from sin and selfishness. The Great Fast has no advantage to us unless it brings about our spiritual renewal. It is necessary while fasting to change our whole life and practice virtue.” – St. John Chrysostom
*Edited for inclusive language
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