(Conclusion – continued from previous post…)

Relying, therefore, dearly-beloved, on these arms, let us enter actively and fearlessly on the contest set before us:  so that in this fasting struggle we may not rest satisfied with only this end, that we should think abstinence from food alone desirable.

For it is not enough that the substance of our flesh should be reduced, if the strength of the soul be not also developed.

When the outer man is somewhat subdued, let the inner man be somewhat refreshed; and when bodily excess is denied to our flesh, let our mind be invigorated by spiritual delights.

Let every Christian scrutinise himself, and search severely into his inmost heart:  let him see that no discord cling there, no wrong desire be harboured.

[…] Accordingly, dearly-beloved, being mindful of our weakness, because we easily fall into all kinds of faults, let us by no means neglect this special remedy and most effectual healing of our wounds.

Let us remit, that we may have remission:  let us grant the pardon which we crave:  let us not be eager to be revenged when we pray to be forgiven.

Let us not pass over the groans of the poor with deaf ear, but with prompt kindness bestow our mercy on the needy, that we may deserve to find mercy in the judgment.

And he that, aided by God’s grace, shall strain every nerve after this perfection, will keep this holy fast faithfully.

Free from the leaven of the old wickedness, in the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth (1 Cor. 5:8), he will reach the blessed Passover, and by newness of life will worthily rejoice in the mystery of man’s reformation through Christ our Lord Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Leo the Great (c.400-461): Sermon 39,5-6.