We Are What We Eat
Ah, summer.
Summertime allows us the opportunity to take in new material. Read more books. Try a new TV series (thanks to streaming!). Venture out to a museum or art display. Or simply be in nature more frequently and immerse our senses in new places and spaces.
When we allow our senses to be fed by these opportunities, we can’t help but be affected or become what we take in, right? Just this week, I came across a Catholic sculptor named Timothy Paul Schmalz, and I sat in awe of his works. See for yourself. Some of you may have even witnessed his work at the National Eucharistic Congress last summer. Schmalz created a powerful, 22-foot crucifix, which was the official sculpture of the National Eucharistic Congress. Is anyone going to Rome soon? Schmalz’s sculptures are presented for a prayerful walking tour tied together by Scripture from Hebrews 13:2 and Matthew 25. Schmalz commented that he sees his work as marketing, and it’s the best kind of marketing because it serves as evangelization. My senses were moved!
Also on my consumption list this summer has been the series “Call the Midwife.” Thanks to my friend Kathy (and my mom’s nudge and other friends’ nudges about this show), I’ve really enjoyed the characters, themes and setting of east London in the 1950s. A show with babies being born? I mean, c’mon! What’s not to love? Just a few episodes into Season 1, the deeper themes that have already emerged have me thinking. Already, I’ve witnessed the themes of trust in God, prayer, fierce protection of life, and love - especially the hardships of love, and the testing of our ability to love. Very good food for thought.
One more example of consumption - the Eucharist. After a lousy track record in June, I’ve made it to daily Mass more this month. It’s been life-changing - in the moment, for that day, and even throughout the weeks of July. Mass is the highest form of prayer, and the Eucharist serves as a gift to our hungry hearts. As we ingest Jesus, with His Form inside us, we are in communion with Him. We are what we eat. What a gift!
Just as we try to consume leafy greens and antioxidant-rich berries for good health, we don’t always do our bodies the best favor when we devour the last quarter of the brownie pan before bed. I have to remind myself that I have a choice of what to consume each day. What we consume physically, intellectually, spiritually and emotionally can have a big impact. And sadly, as a society, we’ve become so desensitized to disturbing content that we keep craving something more shocking.
I write these things, and I share the good things because I care. I want other people to be surrounded by the good. The not-so-good and not-so-beautiful are too accessible and capable of infiltrating our minds and the minds of those we love.
Show someone you care and share the good, true and beautiful.
Because we are what we eat. Or, expressed another way - we are what we consume.