Sign of the Cross…

Cross, John Chrysostom (347-407), Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Quote Topic

When, then, you make the sign of the cross on the forehead, arm yourself with a saintly boldness, and reinstall your soul in its old liberty; for you are not ignorant that the cross is a prize beyond all price. Consider what is the price given for your ransom, and you will never more be slave to any man on earth. This reward and ransom is the cross. You should not then, carelessly make the sign on the forehead, but you should impress it on your heart with the love of a fervent faith. Nothing impure will dare to molest you on seeing the weapon, which overcometh all things.
–Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)

Come to the altar…

Eucharist, John Chrysostom (347-407), Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)

You envy the opportunity of the woman who touched the vestments of Jesus, of the sinful woman who washed His feet with her tears, of the women of Galilee who had the happiness of following Him in His pilgrimages, of the Apostles and disciples who conversed with Him familiarly, of the people of the time who listened to the words of grace and salvation which came forth from His lips. You call happy those who saw Him…But, come to the altar and you will see Him, you will touch Him, you will give to Him holy kisses, you will wash Him with your tears, you will carry Him within you like Mary Most Holy.
–Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)

Do you fast?

Discipleship, John Chrysostom (347-407), Page: Quotes, Quote Author, Quote Topic

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?
— Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)