True fasting by St. John Chrysostom

Do you fast? Let me see proof of it by your works.
If you see someone who is poor, take pity on that person.
If you see a friend being honored, do not be envious.
Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eyes,
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 ears fast by not listening to evil talk and gossip.
Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticizm.
For what is it if we abstain from birds and fishes
but bite and devour our brothers and sisters?
~St. John Chrysostom