Becoming a Community of Disciples

Chapter 6: Spiritual Teachings – Virtues and Discipline

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refreshment, because of which the appetite for food is natural, 12 therefore the use of food in accord with right reason calls for the replenishment of what has been depleted and the intake of nourishment both solid and liquid. 13 Therefore, whatever in the way of food can fulfill this need of the body quickly and easily should by preference be chosen. 14 And the Lord himself I think showed this, when he refreshed those who were hungry in the wilderness (cf. Matt 14:13, 15). Though he could certainly have extended the miracle in the desert and prepared for them a more lavish repast he did nothing of the sort, 15 but furnished for them a simple fare, and served, according to John, barley bread and small fish (John 6:9). 16 Of drink he made no mention at all, from which it may no doubt be inferred that the use of water could suffice for all as most necessary 17 —unless perhaps someone appears to be harmed by it because of bodily infirmity, for whom without a doubt is the advice the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy to avoid what is harmful (cf. 1 Tim 5:23). 18 But whatever manifestly brings harm to the body should be avoided anyway, for it seems absurd to take food for the sustenance of the body and then again by means of this very food to inflict harm on the body and render it useless for service of the commandments. 19 We ought in every way to use food which is easily and cheaply obtained, so that we are never found running after expensive and extravagant items on a pretext of abstinence 20 while we strive to raise our ordinary, natural food with a flavor of seasonings to a lofty and delicate savor. 21 We ought rather to choose for our own use