The Words of the Fathers No. II (XVI) / 2023
A discourse by the same [John Chrysostom] on fasting and almsgiving
The Saint Ioan Gură de Aur St John Chrysostom’s Homily on Fasting and Almsgiving develops the argument that fasting without almsgiving and without inner transformation is in vain, illustrating this teaching through the parable of the ten virgins: the five foolish virgins lost their virginity precisely because they lacked the oil of charity, which alone gives wings to prayer and opens the door to the wedding chamber.