Thursday

“Fear God and turn away from evil” (Prov. 3:7).

Set this as the goal of your fasting period: that by its end the fear of God may be established in you and a firm resolve may take root to turn away from every evil, even if to do so you must lose everything—even your life. To this end, do not confine yourself to the outward observances of the fasting period, but occupy yourself especially with your inner self: enter into yourself and examine your cast of mind—whether it is in full agreement with the unerring word of God; examine your inclinations and dispositions—whether they are such as the Lord requires of you in the Gospel; examine your entire life—whether it is in full accordance with God’s commandments. Weep over and come to hate everything contrary to God, and resolve not to return to it. When you do this, you will be wise—and if not, then not.