Do not wait in anticipation for the end of the abstinence

[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III






Do not wait in anticipation for the end of the abstinence period as to what you will eat.
Do not hasten to eat when the time comes. Try if you can to resist even for a few minutes and wait. When it is time to eat, say to yourself: Let us pray for a while, then eat, or let us read a book and contemplate for some time, then eat.
Do not pounce on food. Let renunciation that you harboured during abstinence continue to be with you after you have eaten, for this is spiritually beneficial and you will be rewarded.