Tag: fasting

Monks and Lenten Pretzels

Do pretzels really have anything to do with Lent? Fr. Williams Saunders The pretzel indeed has its origins as an official food of Lent. However, much of the information available is based on tradition that has been handed down through the ages. Nevertheless, the Vatican library actually has a manuscript illustrating one of the earliest… Read More ›

Trust in the Lord and you will lack for nothing

There was another holy man called Helenus who had been serving the Lord since boyhood. Schooled in the ways of chastity and moderation in all things, he had become a very praiseworthy person. While he was still a boy in the monastery, if he needed to ask a neighbor for fire, he would carry burning… Read More ›

Gentleness in Hospitality

We came from Palestine to Egypt and went to see one of the fathers. He offered us hospitality and we said, “Why do you not keep the fast when visitors come to see you? In Palestine they keep it.” He replied, “Fasting is always with me but I cannot always have you here. It is… Read More ›

His True Work: Hospitality

It was said of an old man that he dwelt in Syria on the way to the desert. This was his  work: whenever a monk came   from the desert,  he gave him refreshment with all his heart. Now one day a hermit came and he offered him refreshment. The other did not  want  to accept … Read More ›

The Mark of Christianity

This is the mark of Christianity–however much a man toils, and however many righteousnesses he performs, to feel that he has done nothing, and in fasting to say, “This is not fasting,” and in praying, “This is not prayer,” and in perseverance at prayer, “I have shown no perseverance; I am only just beginning to… Read More ›

Have a Little Bit all the Virtues

Lent: Fast From; Feast On

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ dwelling in them. Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of 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 phrases that purify. Fast… Read More ›