Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 5, Chapter 1

Fasting on the Mountain at Dawn

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Similitude 5.1.1While I was fasting, sitting on a mountain and thanking the Lord for everything He had done for me, I saw the shepherd sitting beside me. He said, “Why have you come here so early?” “Because, sir,” I said, “I am keeping a station.”

Similitude 5.1.2“What is a station?” he asked. “I am fasting, sir,” I said. “And what is this fast you are keeping?” he asked. “I fast as I have been accustomed to, sir,” I said.

Similitude 5.1.3“You do not know how to fast for the Lord,” he said. “This useless observance you keep for Him is no fast.” “Why do you say this, sir?” I asked. “I tell you,” he said, “that what you think you are keeping is no fast. But I will teach you what fasting is acceptable and complete before the Lord. Listen.

Similitude 5.1.4“God does not desire such an empty fast. By fasting for God in this way, you accomplish nothing for righteousness. Instead, keep a fast for God like this:

Similitude 5.1.5“Do nothing wicked in your life, but serve the Lord with a pure heart. Keep His commandments, walking in His ordinances, and let no evil desire rise in your heart. Believe God: if you do these things, fear Him, and restrain yourself from every evil deed, you will live to God. If you do these things, you will keep a great fast, acceptable to God.

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Saints Translation · Liturgical reading edition · V1 · working draft awaiting specialist review.