Catholic Church on Nutrition & Mental Health
As Catholics, we hold the privilege of understanding the profound connection between our bodies and souls. Recognizing that our bodies serve as temples of the Holy Spirit and that the well-being of our souls intertwines with our physical health, we are called to nurture a harmonious unity. Nourishing our bodies with wholesome food and fortifying them through exercise not only enhances our physical vitality but also fosters a deeper sense of gratitude. This practice allows us to honor and celebrate both the inner beauty of our souls and the outer beauty of our physical forms, contributing to holistic well-being. When embracing God's presence within us, we assume the sacred duty of tending to our bodies, a profound invitation to honor them.
Fasting during Lent
The season of Lent, a span of 40 days marked by prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, commences on Ash Wednesday and concludes at sundown on Holy Thursday. This period prepares us for the joyous celebration of the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, our devotion finds expression in prayerful engagement with Sacred Scripture, in acts of charity through almsgiving, and exercises of self-discipline through fasting. Lent designates Ash Wednesday and Good Friday as obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics, with Fridays throughout the season also requiring abstinence. This commitment applies from age 18 to 59 for fasting and from age 14 onward for abstinence from meat. Fasting rather than a self-inflicted punishment, is a willing offering, a purposeful act of humility. Rather than merely acknowledging our sin in thoughts or words, fasting lets us put our whole selves into the experience of repentance.
Works of Mercy
Additionally, our faith places upon us the responsibility to serve those less fortunate. Jesus, in Matthew 25:40, identifies the works of mercy, teaching us that when we tend to the needs of the most vulnerable, we serve Him. Notably, Jesus underscores feeding the hungry as one of these corporal works of mercy.
Our service can take various forms—volunteering at local food banks, contributing to shelters, and actively participating in community service. Through these actions, we fulfill our commitment to offer compassion and support to those in need, embodying the teachings of Christ in our service to others.
