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?

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.

Amen.

~John Chrysostom, (347-407 a.d.)

40 days

Lent enters into our lives today - it's a time of giving up for some and for others, taking on some discipline. I like the taking on of a discipline better than giving up - I have already given up lots this year, all for the better, so taking something on during Lent just makes sense to me.

Our diocese is doing a study on the book 40-Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer with daily meditations found here. A friend of mine and I are journeying together through this, and I am really looking forward to connecting with her in this way, deepening friendship as we journey through Lent.

On a different note, I fell on Monday on our brick foyer floor, landing right on my tail bone. Can I whine just a little bit and tell you how painful this is? Wahhhhhhh!!!!!  Missing the Ash Wednesday service as sitting for any length of time is tough.

Last, but not least, we have had big rain storm this afternoon - very cleansing as the pollen gets washed away, just before the dogwoods and azaleas get ready to bloom.


So how is your Ash Wednesday and Lent beginning?