Page 46 - AlNashra issue 2 - 2023

45 Issue 2 - 2023

to touch even what is forbidden. Do you not eat However, if we read the Bible—the New

flesh? Feed not upon lasciviousness by means of Testament in particular—we notice that the

the eyes. Let the ear fast also. The fasting of the ear Lord Jesus Christ connects fasting to joy, in

consists in refusing to receive evil speakings and contrast to the Old Testament, where fasting

calumnies. ‘You shall not receive a false report,’ was connoted to weeping and wailing out of
it says. Let the mouth too fast from disgraceful grief over sin. In the Gospel of Matthew, we
speeches and railing. For what does it profit if read, “When you fast, do not look somber as the
we abstain from birds and fishes; and yet bite hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to
and devour our brethren? The evil speaker eats
the flesh of his brother, and bites the body of show others they are fasting. Truly, I tell you,
his neighbor1. St. Basil the Great says in one of they have received their reward in full. But when

the sermons: “I’ve seen many who will fast, pray, you fast, put oil on your head and wash your
groan, and display every kind of pious exertion, face, so that it will not be obvious to others that
so long as it costs them nothing. What good do you are fasting, but only to your Father, who

they get from their remaining virtue? For the is unseen. (Matthew 6:16-18). Fasting is thus

kingdom of heaven does not admit them2.” associated with joy because it is done with the

Hermas, who is one of the Christian writers in radiance and cheerfulness of the face, rather
the second century, says: “On the day of your than appearing gloom and a frown. The book
fast, do not eat anything but bread and water, of the Acts of the Apostles connotes fasting with

then calculate what you would have spent on the work of the Holy Spirit, saying: “While they

that day for your sustenance, and give it to a were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy

widow, orphan, or other needy person. Thus you Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul

deprive yourself so that another may benefit: for the work to which I have called them.’” (Acts

From your deprivation, let them be satisfied, 13:2), as if fasting entered the domain where the

and pray to the Lord for your sake.” Holy Spirit works. Therefore, based on all that

1- St. John Chrysostom: For the value of fasting consists not in ab- we have cited from the New Testament—and
stinence from food, but in withdrawing from sinful practices . . . - from many sources—we link, in our liturgical
Orthodox Church Quotes texts, fasting directly to the resurrection.

2- St. Basil the Great’s Sermon to the Rich – St. John the Baptist
Greek Orthodox Church (stjohngoc.org)