When the stomach is full, it is easy to talk of fasting.
St. Jerome, Letters, 58, 2
Fasting is a medicine.
St. John Chrysostom
The immoderate long fasts of many displease me, for I have learned by experience that the donkey worn out with fatigue on the road seeks rest at any cost. In a long journey, strength must be supported.
St. Jerome
Total abstinence is easier than perfect moderation.
St. Augustine of Hippo
A wanton horse and an unchaste body should have their feed cut down.
St. Hilarion
It is impossible to engage in spiritual conflict unless the appetite has first been subdued.
Pope St. Gregory the Great
When the stomach is full, it is easy to talk of fasting.
I'm afraid that describes me to a "T". We'll see how I do in sticking to the rules for the next 40 days.
Total abstinence is easier than perfect moderation.
That is so true also. Once you don't have a clear dividing line, it takes more will power to stop at the right point. Like what constitutes a "collation" and when does it become a real meal?
It is impossible to engage in spiritual conflict unless the appetite has first been subdued.
That's why we need periods like Lent when we focus on mortification. I'm afraid that my "spiritual combat" is mostly imaginary due to the laxness of my control of appetities.