Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Clean Eating


Lent is certainly a season for less, a time for letting go, of cleaning heart, soul and body.  Clean Week ushers in a week of beautiful services, that our heart and soul may begin to prepare the way for the journey to Pascha.  Hearts are light, having been cleansed through the rite of forgiveness, as we let go of the hurt, resentment and anger we hold towards others, and humbly receive forgiveness.  Now the body must also be made light, since "the body which is burdened with meat is afflicted with diseases.  A moderate way of living makes the body healthier and stronger and cuts off the root of evil.  The stream of meat meals darkens the light of the spirit.  One can hardly have virtue if one enjoys meat meals and feasts." (St. Basil the Great.)   So, the kitchen is cleaned and the counters are cleared of clutter.  Sunday evening the girls and I made a trip to the grocery store, filling our cart with fruits, nuts, fresh vegetables and breads.  We will not cook this week.  We will eat simple foods, with simple preparation, that our hearts and minds may be on God, not on cooking or scrubbing of pots.  We will eat less, that we may pray more.  We will consume less that we may turn to God and recognize our dependence upon Him to provide for us.  We will let go of fleshly wants that we may embrace heavenly ones.  And we will give thanks for the bounty of less that is before us, realizing that even our less is so much more than many who live always with less.

9 comments:

Misty said...

I love the idea that there are no dishes or heavy cooking to be done. What a rest for all to simply enjoy evenings together.

WendyLady@GoodBooks said...

I wish blogs had been around when my kids were little! So wonderful to be able to share encouragment with each other. Your blog is full of helpful information - I'll definitely pass it along to the young moms in our parish! Blessings to you this Lent as we journey towards Pascha!

Maria said...

I notice that you have the book "What the World Eats" in the photo -- my girls have gotten this from the library several times. They really enjoy it.

flowersforTeacher said...

You continue to inspire me... thank you.

Anastasia

Anna said...

Misty - it definitely helps this week, as there are services every evening, so getting out the door without a mess is top priority!

Wendy - thank you! it is nice to have such a great community of support

Maria - yes, my kids have found that book fascinating, and it is a helpful little reminder on the occasion when someone is tempted to complain about the food set before them :)

MamaBirdEmma said...

What a wonderful tradition!

Forgive my ignorance, but who is the icon of on your counter. I can't quite read the name!

I will definitely be check the book out!

Anna said...

Mat. Emily - that is an icon of St. Brigid - it normally sits on one of my pantry shelves, and when I was setting everything out this week I thought it would be a nice one to place out for Clean Week, a reminder of giving of our excess to others.

MamaBirdEmma said...

That's who I thought it was:) She is the perfect saint to place out for Clean Week!

Kelly said...

I'm not sure how I ended up on your blog but I love it. I'm an orthodox mama too. Love that you have lenten recipes on your blog.