The Essence of Fasting: A Call to Inner Transformation

The phrase "Did you start fasting?

" is not so much a question about whether the actual act of abstaining from food has begun as it is a call to pay attention to the true meaning of fasting. It implies that fasting is not merely a formal avoidance of certain foods, but a deliberate effort towards spiritual abstinence, evidenced by actions and inner change. As St. John Chrysostom notes, true fasting requires proof of one’s faith and addressing the issue not only in words but through deeds:
"Whoever restricts fasting only to abstaining from food," says St. John Chrysostom, "dishonors it the most. Are you fasting? Prove it to me with your actions... What benefit is there when we refrain from birds and fish, yet bite and devour our own brothers?" (source: link txt)

At the same time, it is emphasized that the beginning of a fast is a kind of training in self-discipline, which not only helps one to restrict one’s diet but also develops willpower and the ability to curb other excesses:
"When you learn to abstain from the food forbidden during the fast, you strengthen your will, and in doing so, you become accustomed to abstinence. And is it not true that there are many things you should abstain from, many actions upon which you should impose a ban?" (source: link txt)

Thus, the question "Did you start fasting?" serves as a reminder that fasting is far more than just a dietary measure. It is a spiritual discipline that requires consistent effort to achieve inner transformation and to affirm one’s faith not only through external deeds but, above all, with an internal striving for perfection. This idea is closely linked to the discussed topic, where the primary emphasis is on the fact that true abstinence is manifested in one’s deeds and lifestyle, and not merely in the external observance of formal requirements.