5 Steps to Feasting Well
The feast of feasts is almost upon us! Great and Holy Pascha -- the most joyous celebration of Christ’s Resurrection from the dead and triumph over death.
Over the last six weeks plus, we have focused on fasting well, approaching this discipline with the proper spirit by aiming for gentle nourishment through food in pursuit of another kind of food, provided by the Nourisher of Life. Now, we are approaching the physical and spiritual response to fasting: feasting. No, this is not a deliberate undoing of our fasting efforts, but rather, the fulfillment of our preparation.
Feasting is not the absence of discipline, but a most joyful application of the fruits of our Lenten spiritual labors: namely, an acute awareness of God through the everyday act of eating, a deeper understanding of the link between how we treat our bodies and the spiritual consequences, and a more sincere gratitude for His gift of Creation.
So this Pascha, take what you have cultivated during the fast and feast with joy, starting with these five tips.
Prepare what you can. Let go of what you can’t. For many, the Easter holiday and its accompanying preparatory fuss hinders our full embrace of the joy of Christ’s Resurrection. Don’t put pressure on yourself to fulfill all the lowercase “t” traditions that are ultimately accessories. This isn’t about us and what we have done; it’s about what God has done. Let us stand in awe of His Resurrection!
Open your meal with a prayer. The Paschal Troparion is most appropriate:
Christ is Risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!
Survey the options before filling your plate. Food embodies traditions, customs, and togetherness; yet, eating all the food is not a prerequisite for realizing the celebration. Decide what foods will feel most satisfying to you, and eat those. If there is something you’ve missed, you can always go back for it later!
Remember, the feast is not just one day. This is where the wisdom of the Fathers shines. The feast continues through Bright Week (the week following Pascha), and in some traditions, through Pentecost (50 days after Pascha). If your body is giving you signals that it’s time to slow down or stop eating, but a second helping or a special dessert is calling your name, remember, you can always have it later! In the same way that fasting transforms indefinite restriction into a defined period of preparation, the feasting period extends a day of indulgence into a season of a moderate relaxation of our personal spiritual efforts as we ride the wave of Christ’s victory.
Close with a prayer of thanksgiving. In so doing, we come back full circle to acknowledge the selfless gifts we have received from our most loving Lord, infusing our joy with a spirit of gratitude.
Bonus tip: Remember, if you overindulge, even when you don’t mean to do so, forgive. There is always room for forgiveness! If Lent has taught us anything, it is that we are far from perfect, but we are made perfect through Him. Our Lenten journey of repentance may be over for now, but we are never done pursuing God and His mercy.
Kali Anastasi!
Want more guidance on the fasts and feasts? Sign up for my email list to be first to learn about my upcoming e-course on Fasting & Feasting Well for Orthodox Christians.
