In a world where fast food and quick fixes dominate our daily lives, the somewhat “sacred” art of cooking can often be overlooked. But learning to cook properly is not just about mastering recipes – it is about fostering family bonds, serving others, and finding God in the everyday tasks of life. As St. Teresa of Avila exquisitely said, “God is in the pots and pans.”
Here are five reasons why cooking (and not just ordering take out over and over again) should be an essential part of a Catholic lifestyle.
1. Strengthen family bonds through shared meals
Cooking and sharing meals together are powerful ways to strengthen family bonds. Preparing food with love and care creates an environment in which family members can come together, share their day, and grow closer. The family table becomes a sacred space where relationships are nurtured, and the joys and challenges of life are shared.
2. Discover the joy of serving others
Cooking is an act of love and service. When we prepare meals for others, we not only fill their stomachs, but also feed their souls. The simple act of feeding others follows Christ’s call to serve. When you cook for your family or community, you embody the virtue of charity, transforming a mundane task into a profound expression of care and love.
3. Find God in the everyday
St. Teresa’s words remind us that even the simplest tasks have some sort of transcendent worth of their own. Cooking can become a form of prayer – a way of finding God in the ordinary. When we approach cooking with intention, we transform it from a chore into a sacred practice. Every stir and chop become a reminder of God’s presence in our lives.
4. Nourish the body and soul
After His Resurrection, Jesus craved for broiled fish (Luke 24:42). Our humanity is not properly understood when thought in terms of “a mind in a body” or “a body with a soul.” The effects of a good meal show how entwined our bodies and souls are. A well-prepared meal made with love can uplift the spirit and bring comfort. In this way, cooking becomes a holistic practice that cares for both physical and spiritual well-being, recognizing the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit.
5. Celebrate the gift of life
Each meal is a celebration of the gift of life. Cooking allows us to appreciate the beauty and bounty of God’s creation, from the ingredients we use to the people we share it with. It’s an opportunity to give thanks for the many gifts that sustain us and to recognize the preciousness of life, especially when shared with others.
Cooking is a daily chore, yes. But it is one that builds family bonds and friendships, nourishes us and others, and brings us closer to God. By embracing this art, we discover the infinite meaning in every simple human act, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.
