Fast from worry, and feast on trust in God. Fast from complaining, and feast on appreciation. Fast from negatives, and feast on affirmatives. Fast from unrelenting pressures, and feast on unceasing prayer. Fast from hostility, and feast on tenderness. Fast from bitterness, and feast on forgiveness. Fast from self-concern, and feast on compassion for others.
Fast from the shadows of sorrow, and feast on the sunlight of serenity. Fast from idle gossip, and feast on purposeful silence. Fast from judging others, and feast on the Christ within them. Fast from emphasis on differences, and feast on the unity of life. Fast from apparent darkness, and feast on the reality of light.
Fast from thoughts of illness, and feast on the healing power of God. Fast from words that pollute, and feast on the phrases that purify. Fast from discontent, and feast on gratitude. Fast from anger, and feast on optimism. Fast from personal anxiety, and feast on eternal truth. Fast from discouragement, and feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress, and feast on the Word of love that uplifts. 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 problems that overwhelm, and feast on prayer that support and strengthens.
Or in the words concerning fasting by St. John Chrysostom, words concerning holy living and the fasts that we observe to help make us more holy: “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 greed. 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 Jesus who came to the world to save sinners, strengthen us to complete the fast with humility, have mercy on us and save us. For even though we are but dust and ashes, Jesus lived, died, and rose to remind us that God loved us enough to create the whole universe for us. What a love that is! Amen.