What’s On Your Plate?
Our worship series for the season of Lent will focus on fasting, not only from food, but from other things that get in
the way of a deeper relationship with God. St. John Chrysostom, a 4th century preacher, writes
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 feet, and the hands, and all 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?
(from Homily III:8 “On the Statutes”)
Each week we will explore new ways to set aside things that take up space time and space in our lives so that we can make room to be filled with God’s grace and mercy.
March 8 – Fasting with the Ear and Mouth - James 3:1-12
March 15 – Fasting with the Hands – 1 Timothy 6:17-19
March 22 – Fasting with the Feet – Exodus 20:8-11
March 29 – Palm Sunday – Mark 11:1-11
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