the depression diet
"This is the Bread that comes down from heaven for a man to eat and never die." —John 6:50
Even the mighty Elijah became depressed. He went into the desert, cut himself off from others (1 Kgs 19:4), prayed for death, and fell asleep (1 Kgs 19:4-5). However, the Lord rescued Elijah from depression by sending an angel, who ordered Elijah to get up and eat (1 Kgs 19:5).
God's solution to depression is for us to eat. Most people do this, but in the wrong way. The world is full of depressed people who eat to make themselves feel better. However, the Lord did not command Elijah just to eat but to eat what He gave him through the angel. If we eat the food of the world, our depression will only worsen, and we will even lose our appetite for the goodness of the Lord (see Ps 34:9). We will become spiritually anorexic. What we must do daily, and especially in difficult times, is to eat the spiritual food of Jesus Himself in His word (see Mt 4:4) and in the Eucharist.
Jesus promises: "I Myself am the living Bread come down from heaven. If anyone eats this Bread he shall live forever; the bread I will give is My flesh, for the life of the world" (Jn 6:51).
Eat, drink, and be Christian, for we will never die.
Prayer: Father, may I not fall into spiritual anorexia.
Promise: "Do nothing to sadden the Holy Spirit with Whom you were sealed against the day of redemption." —Eph 4:30
Praise: Praise Jesus, "the Resurrection and the Life!" (Jn 11:25) Alleluia!
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 1, 1997
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 4, 1997