The Shepherd of Hermas

Hermas

Hermas. The Apostolic Fathers with an English translation by Kirsopp Lake. In Two Volumes. Vol. II. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd. 1913

While I was fasting, and sitting on a certain[*](Fasting) mountain, and thanking the Lord for all that he had

done with me, I saw the shepherd sitting by me, and saying: Why have you come here so early? Because, sir, said I, I have a station.[*](Station is not found elsewhere in Greek writers but is used in Latin writers in the sense of a fixed time for fasting (e.g. cf. Tertullian de orat. 19. de jejun. 1, 10, etc.). It is apparently one of the many terms taken from military language statio de militari exemplo nomen accepit, nam et militia dei sumus says Tertullian.)

What, said he, is a station. I am fasting, sir, said I. But, said he, what is this fast, which you are fasting? I am fasting, sir, said I, as I have been accustomed.

You do not know, said he, how to fast to the Lord, and this useless fast which you are fasting to him is not a fast? Why, sir, said I, do you say this? I tell you, said he, that this fast which you think to fast is nothing, but I will teach you what is a fast, acceptable and complete to the Lord. Listen, he said:

God does not wish such a vain fast. For if you thus fast to God you do nothing for righteousness. But fast to God in this way:

do nothing evil in your life, but serve the Lord with a pure heart; keep his commandments, and walk in his ordinances, and let no evil desire arise in your heart, but believe in God, that if you do these things and fear him, and refrain from every wicked act, you shall live to God; and if you do this you will fulfil a great fast and one acceptable to God.