Fr. Alexander Elchaninov: Why must we offer alms?

 Why must we offer alms to every passing beggar, without inquiring into his merits, and even when we know that he is undeserving? Apart from the fact that the man who gives is spiritually enriched, while whoever closes his heart and purse robs himself - apart from this, if we refuse alms, especially near church doors, we do great harm to the beggar, inciting him to anger, killing his faith, stirring up his hatred of the rich, the satiated, the pious.

+Fr. Alexander Elchaninov, from The Diary of a Russian Priest

St. John Chrysostom: God's love and our selfishness

 Let us now be abashed at His love, let us be ashamed at the excess of His lovingkindness, since He for our sakes spared not His Only-begotten Son, yet we spare our wealth to our own injury; He for us gave His Own Son, but we for Him do not so much as despise money, nor even for ourselves.

+St. John Chrysostom, from Homily 17 on John 3:12-13, #3

St. John Chrysostom: What true fasting really is.

Do you see, dearly beloved, what true fasting really is? Let us perform this kind, and not entertain the facile notion held by many that the essence of fasting lied in going without food till evening. This is not the end in view, but that we should demonstrate, along with abstinence from good, abstinence from whatever is harmful, and should give close attention to spiritual duties. The person fasting ought be reserved, peaceful, meek, humble, indifferent to the esteem of this world. You see, just as one has neglected the soul, so it is necessary to neglect empty esteem as well, and to have regard only for Him who examines our innermost being (cf Ps 7:9) and with great care to direct prayers and confessions to God, and provide for oneself according to one's ability the help that comes from almsgiving.
+St. John Chrysostom, from Homilies on Genesis, homily 8 #15.