May 10, 1998
Why
Fast? Why Be An Ascetic?
Today's stories are from the life of Abba Moses, a freed slave
who lived as a robber in Nitria, becoming a monk late in life. He was martyred with seven
others by barbarian invaders.
BEGIN: The old man was asked, "What is the good of the fasts and watchings which a
man imposes on himself?" and he replied, "They make the soul humble. For it is
written, "Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins" (Psalm
25:18). So if the soul gives itself all this hardship, God will have mercy on it."
The old man was (also) asked, "What should a man do in all the temptations and evil
thoughts that come upon him?" The old man said to him, "He should weep and
implore the goodness of God to come to his aid, and he will obtain peace if he prays with
discernment. For it is written, "With the Lord on my side I do not fear. What can man
do to me?" (Psalm 118:6). END
from "The Desert Christian," by Sr. Benedicta Ward, (New York:
MacMillan Publishing Co., 1975), p. 142
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