The Joy of Eating and Drinking in Moderation – A Reflection for Priests

As priests, our days are filled with the work of ministry: preaching, teaching, celebrating the sacraments, counseling, and simply being there for the communities we serve. These vocations are at once a privilege and a responsibility, and in their demands, we sometimes find ourselves running on empty – emotionally, spiritually, and even physically. And what better way to find renewal than through one of life’s simplest gifts: sharing a meal with others?

Food is not just a physical necessity; it’s a powerful symbol of communion. Eating together is a reminder that we are human, that we have physical needs and longings, and that we are meant to share our lives with one another. When we gather around a table, we are practicing the hospitality of Christ, who welcomed sinners and saints alike to feast with Him (cf. Lk 5:29-32). We are, in essence, sharing in His ministry of presence and love.

Yet, as we all know, there is a delicate balance to be struck in the way we enjoy food and drink. Like any blessing, it can be enjoyed in moderation or overindulged. Here are a few ways to find balance, enjoying food and drink as part of our life and ministry without losing sight of the sacredness of our vocation.

Mindful Eating: A Spiritual Act

When we eat, it’s worth taking a moment to truly appreciate what we’re about to consume. This is an opportunity to practice gratitude for God’s provision and the hands that made the meal. Practicing mindful eating – taking time to savor each bite and appreciate its flavors – can make even a simple meal feel like a divine gift.

This can also serve as a metaphor for how we approach life and ministry. We take things one step at a time, savoring the “flavors” of each experience rather than rushing through them.

Moderation as a Form of Self-Control

St. Paul reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19-20). This doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a good meal or a glass of wine; rather, it calls us to a healthy, balanced relationship with food and drink. For priests, practicing moderation can be a form of self-discipline that echoes in other areas of our lives, from time management to personal finances.

By eating and drinking mindfully and moderately, we demonstrate a form of self-control that speaks of our commitment to living out our vocation with integrity.

The Social Dimension of Food

Breaking bread with others fosters friendship, trust, and openness. Jesus often dined with His disciples and those on the margins of society, and through these shared meals, He demonstrated His love and compassion. Meals are powerful tools for evangelization – a welcoming atmosphere where meaningful conversations and connections can be made.

Inviting others to share a meal with us can provide a more relaxed and personal setting to speak about faith, vocation, and our shared humanity. A joyful meal enjoyed with others is an opportunity to live out our priestly calling to create communities bound by love.

Embracing Feasts and Celebrations

We must remember that feasting is also part of the rhythm of the Christian life. Celebrations and feasts are times to enjoy food and drink in abundance, in gratitude for the blessings of life. These moments remind us that while sacrifice and discipline are essential, there are also times to experience joy in abundance.

Embracing these moments with gratitude can uplift us and bring us closer to our communities. Eating and drinking with joy and gratitude can be a celebration of life, a small foretaste of the heavenly banquet that awaits us all.

Listening to Our Bodies

Lastly, our bodies often communicate what they need – or don’t need. When we feel drawn to overindulgence, it might be worth asking ourselves, “What am I really hungry for?” Sometimes, what we seek in food or drink is actually something else: companionship, rest, or spiritual refreshment. As priests, listening to these signals can lead to a deeper understanding of what we need and a renewed focus on our well-being.

In the end, a well-prepared meal or a glass of wine shared in good company is something to be cherished. Enjoying food and drink mindfully, moderately, and in communion with others can nourish not only our bodies but also our souls. Let us approach our tables with the same reverence as we approach the altar, remembering that even in these small, daily rituals, we reflect Christ’s love and care for us all.