Lent. By: C.C.

I came across this wonderful prayer/reflection from St. John Chrysostom, and could not help but be moved. I feel that St. John does a wonderful job of putting the Lenten season into perspective. I hope that it speaks to your heart as it did to mine. May God continue to bless you. (C.C.) The true spirit of Lent lies not in giving up chocolate and soda, but in giving up the things that prevent us from seeing Christ as he truly is: present in the world, present in others.
Advice for Holy and Great Lent from St. John Chrysostom: 
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 avarice.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 He who came to the world to save sinners,strengthen us to complete the fast with humility,have mercy on us and save us. Amen.