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By Kim Ae-ran
"Eat well!" Our old Italian missionary sisters used to advise us, living in the community. They said the founders of our order also suggested we eat well if we want to grow deep in our vocations.
In fact, eating is one of the basic needs to exist and work every day. I also think that eating well is most fundamental in life, especially when we live alone. Without having a nutritious, healthy and balanced diet, how can we sustain ourselves and survive in the world?
In the past, religious people, especially ascetics, were more concerned about the practice of self-control, moderation, sacrifice, renunciation, self-denial and detachment. But nowadays, we are also mindful of taking care of the self well as the basic step of loving God and others.
Even when discerning the will of God in terms of individual vocation, the most fundamental point is the capacity of loving one's self and God.
Many people with goodwill and vision help us in many ways so that we can be free from concerns about food. So, they keep bringing necessities from time to time.
We also go to the wholesale markets to get some food once a month or so. Those generous markets are willing to donate vegetables and fruits, especially to circulate the products before the expiration date. Donating ahead of throwing away is always a wise and good way of utilizing the items.
So, each of us is grateful for all the foods we are receiving and eating every day with the help of providence. With heartfelt thanks to our benefactors and cooperators, we try not to waste cooking ingredients.
Together with two postulants, 11 sisters of the Congregation of the Daughters of St. Paul are living together in the so-called pilot community. Living together in a great number means we need more food, necessities and money to pay for living expenses.
Nonetheless, we hardly worry about anything, for the providence of God is always bestowed upon our needs. Especially in the U.S., a strong spirit of donation is very active and alive. A sensibility of generosity with goodwill flows over constantly in society.
With the given ingredients, we take turns cooking one meal a day. Except for supper, we eat simply at breakfast and we are free to take whatever we want at lunch. In general, we make use of leftover foods for lunch.
When I eat alone simply without several side dishes. It is always beautiful to see that the elder sisters cook for themselves willingly when necessary. Since they know what they need and what is good for themselves, they prepare and eat appropriately. A sense of independence and self-reliant spirit are most active in their mentalities.
When basic needs are not met, we can be weakened both spiritually and physically. Israelites complained about their miserable situation saying, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food." (Numbers 21:5).
Jesus said, "Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on…… Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:25, 32-33).
The author is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul. Please feel free to visit her blog "A piece of sunshine" at mtorchid88.blogspot.com.
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