Fasting: Basil the Great on True Fasting

Basil the Great (d. 379), Archbishop of Caesarea, preached two famous homilies on fasting. He taught: "Fasting gives birth to prophets and strengthens the powerful; fasting makes lawgivers wise. It is a good safeguard for the soul, a steadfast companion for the body, a weapon for the valiant, a gymnasium for athletes." But Basil was equally concerned about false fasting.

"Do not limit the good of fasting to mere abstinence from food. Real fasting is alienation from evil. Loose every bond of injustice. Forgive your neighbor his injury. Forgive him his debts. You do not eat meat, but you devour your brother. You abstain from wine, but you do not restrain yourself from insults." Basil insisted that fasting which does not produce justice and compassion is mere dieting.

Practical application: Before your next fast, choose a specific act of generosity to accompany it. Give the money you would have spent on food to someone in need. Volunteer during a meal time. Basil teaches that true fasting always moves outward toward others, never remaining merely an internal exercise.