John Chrysostom on Fasting

(c. 347-407) John's father died young, and he was raised by his godly mother. Well educated; John studied rhetoric under Libanius, a famous orator of his day. He was monk, preacher and priest for 12 years in Syria where he developed a stomach ailment that troubled him the rest of his life.

It was for his sermons that John earned the title Chrysostom = golden mouthed. They were always on point, they explained the Scriptures with clarity, and they sometimes went on for hours. Made a reluctant bishop of Constantinople in 398, a move that involved him in imperial politics. He criticized the rich for not sharing their wealth, fought to reform the clergy, prevented the sale of ecclesiastical offices, called for fidelity in marriage, encouraged practices of justice and charity. As Archbishop and Patriarch of Constantinople he revised the Greek Liturgy which came to be known as the "Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom." Because John's sermons advocated a change in their lives, some nobles and bishops worked to remove him from his diocese; he was twice exiled from his diocese. Banished to Pythius, he died on the road.

Those who have gone before us can share their learnings in the journey to benefit us.

John Chrysostom being sent to exile in Pythius.

Pictorial Lives of the Saints, 1892

DO YOU FAST?

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 and sisters?
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.

St. John Chrysostom