Fasting Precedes Forgiveness: But fasting alone does not save without forgiveness
By Abbot Tryphon, November 22, 2019
There is the story of Saint Epiphanius of Cyprus who invited Hilarion the Great to dinner, and in order to show his hospitality place fried chicken on the table. Hilarion, when he saw the fried chicken, asked forgiveness, but said he had not eaten meat since his tonsure as a monk. Saint Epiphanius responded by saying that he, since his monastic tonsure, had never gone to bed without first forgiving his enemy.
Moved by his words, Hilarion said: “Your virtue is greater than mine, Oh holy master! Fasting is indeed an admirable thing, but it is more admirable to forgive those who have insulted us.” It is through our fasting that we prepare for charity, but by forgiving insults, we show our charity. Our fasting precedes forgiveness, but fasting alone does not save without forgiveness.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
~Abbot Tryphon, The Morning Offering, https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/morningoffering/2019/11/fasting-precedes-forgiveness/.
Fasting: Fasting is more than simply abstaining from food
By Abbot Tryphon, December 10, 2019
Some years ago I discovered the following list of fasting suggestions. I have no idea who originally came up with this wonderful list, but I thought it was wonderful the day I discovered it, and I still do. This is a good reminder that there is much more to fasting than simply abstaining from food.
Abbot Tryphon
who loves you
FAST from self-concern and FEAST on compassion for others.
FAST from discouragement and FEAST on hope.
FAST from lethargy and FEAST on enthusiasm.
FAST from suspicion and FEAST on truth.
FAST from thoughts that weaken and FEAST on promises that inspire.
FAST from shadows of sorrow and FEAST on the sunlight of serenity.
FAST from idle gossip and FEAST on purposeful silence.
FAST from problems that overwhelm you and FEAST on prayer that sustains.
FAST from criticism and FEAST on praise.
FAST from self-pity and FEAST on joy.
FAST from ill-temper and FEAST on peace.
FAST from resentment and FEAST on contentment.
FAST from jealousy and FEAST on love.
FAST from pride and FEAST on humility.
FAST from selfishness and FEAST on service.
~Abbot Tryphon, The Morning Offering, https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/morningoffering/2019/12/fasting-7/.
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