A Lenten Reflection

by St. John Chrysostom

 Fast from judging others; feast on

the Christ dwelling in them.

Fast from emphasis on differences;

feast on the unity of all life.

Fast from apparent darkness;

feast on the reality of light.

Fast from thoughts of illness;

feast on the healing power of God.

Fast from words that pollute;

feast on the phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent;

feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger;

feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism;

feast on optimism.

Fast from worry;

feast on Divine Providence.

Fast from complaining;

feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives;

feast on positives.

Fast from unrelenting pressures;

feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from hostility;

feast on nonresistance.

Fast from bitterness;

feast on forgiveness.

Fast on anxiety; feast on hope.

Fast from yourself; feast on a silent heart.

Add others of your own as you wish.

Conributed by Jeff Majewski, SFO