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LENTEN MEDITATION - Day II
" ... in fasting must not only obey the rule against gluttony in regard to food, but refrain from every sin so that, while fasting, the tongue may also fast, refraining from slander, lies, evil talking, degrading one's brother or sister, anger and every sin committed by the tongue. One should also fast with the eyes, that is, not looking at vain things ... not looking shamefully or fearless an anyone. The hands and feet should also be kept from every evil action. When one fasts through vanity or thinking that he is achieving something especially virtuous, he fasts foolishly and soon begins to criticize others and to consider himself something great. A man who fasts wisely ... wins purity and comes to humility ... and proves himself a skillful builder."
St. Dorotheos of Gaza (6th c.)
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Another classic text from St. Dorotheos who is intent upon expanding the meaning and practice of lenten fasting to include all of the senses. Our eyes, together with our feet and hands - not to mention the tongue - can continue in unseemly deeds as we abstain from certain food and drink. As "the world" claims that we are no more than our bodies and its functions - and that would include the mind - then these temptations are ubiquitous and endless. In other words, there is nothing new under the sun!
