As the Christmas season approaches, Catholics enter the liturgical season of Advent, a time of hopeful waiting and spiritual preparation for the coming of Christ. Advent is traditionally marked by prayer, reflection, and small acts of penance, as we prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the birth of our Savior. While these practices are essential, Catholics can also use Advent as an opportunity to cultivate physical well-being through exercise and good nutrition, which, when approached intentionally, can enrich the spiritual preparation for the Christmas season. It is also crucial in answering Pope St. John Paul II’s call of self mastery for the sake of self gift (TOB 15.2)
Incorporating exercise and healthy eating into your Advent observance may seem like a modern, secular idea, but it is deeply connected to Catholic teaching. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and caring for our physical health is part of our spiritual responsibility to conquer ourselves in order to fully give of ourselves like Jesus did in emptying himself in his incarnation (Phil 2:7). Just as Advent calls us to prepare our hearts for Christ’s arrival, it can also be a time to care for our bodies, creating a balanced approach to spiritual and physical well-being.
1. Exercise: Strengthening the Body for Spiritual Growth
Exercise is not only important for physical health; it can also be a powerful tool for spiritual growth (think modern day asceticism). The discipline of exercise requires commitment, perseverance, and self-control—virtues that are crucial for the spiritual life. In Advent, we can turn our physical discipline into a form of prayer and preparation.
Physical Discipline as Spiritual Discipline
Exercise can serve as a metaphor for the spiritual journey. Just as a runner must train and prepare their body for a race (1 Cor 9), we, too, must prepare ourselves for the ultimate race of eternal life. Advent is an ideal time to adopt an exercise routine that both strengthens the body and disciplines the mind. The rhythm of exercise—whether it’s a morning walk, a weight training session, or a more intense workout—can be an opportunity to reflect, pray, or meditate on the coming of Christ.
For example, while walking, consider offering up your steps as prayers for those in need or reflecting on the Advent themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. A morning workout could become a ritual that centers you before the busyness of the day, allowing you to set intentions for how you want to live out the virtues of Advent.
Exercise and the Virtues of Advent
During Advent, many Catholics choose to take on extra penances or practices to deepen their faith. Exercise can be a form of physical penance—an offering of time and effort that aligns with the spirit of Advent fasting and self-discipline. Just as we fast from certain foods or activities, a regular exercise routine can become a way of fasting from sloth, lethargy, or apathy, instead embracing a mindset of active readiness.
Moreover, regular physical activity has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. As the holiday season can bring about feelings of anxiety or frustration for some, exercise can act as a stabilizing force, promoting mental clarity and emotional balance. This, in turn, can make it easier to focus on the spiritual preparations of Advent.
2. Nutrition: Honoring the Body Through Healthy Eating
In a season often filled with indulgent foods and sweets, Advent presents an opportunity to refocus our relationship with food. Catholic teaching emphasizes the importance of temperance—avoiding excess and practicing placing your corporeal desires under the reason and will. Rather than using Advent as a time to deprive ourselves or overindulge, we can approach food as a way to nourish both body and soul.
Eating as a Spiritual Practice
During Advent, try to approach your meals with attentiveness and gratitude. Instead of mindlessly snacking or indulging in seasonal treats, take time to savor your food and appreciate the gift of nourishment. This aligns with the Advent theme of waiting and preparing—just as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming, we can prepare our bodies by choosing wholesome foods that support our health and well-being.
Healthy eating can also be seen as a form of self-care. Eating nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides the body with the energy it needs to sustain a busy season of prayer, service, and reflection. A well-nourished body is more equipped to serve others, participate in liturgical activities, and engage in the spiritual practices of Advent.
Fasting and Moderation
While Advent is not traditionally a season of strict fasting (unlike Lent), it is a time for moderate self-discipline. For some, fasting from certain foods or reducing the intake of sugar, processed snacks, or alcohol can be a way to embrace the spirit of Advent. Fasting in this context is not about punishing the body but rather about exercising control and making space for the more important things—prayer, reflection, and preparation for the coming of Christ.
Another way to approach nutrition during Advent is by focusing on simpler, more seasonal meals. Advent, which leads into the winter season, is a time when many foods are hearty and nourishing—think root vegetables, stews, and soups. These meals not only sustain us physically but can also encourage us to slow down and share in the warmth of community and family.
3. Connecting Physical and Spiritual Well-being
The beauty of Advent is that it calls us to prepare not only our hearts but our whole selves for the arrival of Christ. The practices of exercise and nutrition can be seamlessly integrated into this holistic preparation. They serve as practical ways to keep our bodies and minds sharp, helping us remain alert and ready to receive the Christ child.
One way to connect physical and spiritual well-being is through the practice of "offering up" the efforts of exercise and mindful eating. Catholic tradition encourages offering up one's work, sacrifices, and even discomforts as prayers or intercessions for others. As you exercise or make healthier food choices during Advent, offer these actions to God, asking for the strength to grow in virtue and patience as you await Christ's coming.
Conclusion
Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, but it also offers an invitation to care for our bodies in a way that enhances our overall readiness to receive Christ. Remember, Pope John Paul II’s call of self mastery for the sake of self gift (TOB 15). By incorporating exercise and mindful nutrition into our daily routines, Catholics can foster both physical health and spiritual discipline. In doing so, we strengthen ourselves in body and spirit, making room for the grace of the Advent season and the joy of Christmas. So, this Advent, as you await the birth of Christ, take the time to nurture your body through intentional exercise and wholesome eating, and let these practices help prepare you for the deeper joy that comes with Christ’s arrival.
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