March 22, 2005

• Fasting of the Tongue

  
  

  “To commit a murder, besides the not having the person in your power, there are many measures and precautions to take.  A favorable opportunity must be waited for, and a place must be selected before we can put so damnable a design into execution.  More than this, the pistols may miss fire, blows may not be sufficient, and all wounds are not mortal.  But to deprive a man of his reputation and honor, one word is sufficient.  By finding out the most sensitive part of his honor, you may tarnish his reputation by telling it to all who know him, and easily take away his character for honor and integrity.  To do this, however, no time is required, for scarcely have you complacently cherished the wish to slander him, then the sin is effected.”

  
  

  
  

   

  
  

  “Are you here to praise someone and raise him in my esteem?  Then gladly will I give ear and savor your conversation.  But if you intend to speak ill of someone, let me stop now; I cannot stand filth and stench.  What have I to gain by knowing that someone is evil?  Would I not be losing something instead?  Talk to him yourself, and let us mind only our business.”

  
  

  (St. John Chrysostom)

  • 4:58 pm
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