And, therefore, if thou wilt come to cleanness of heart, thou must strive against the unreasonable stirrings of fleshly desires, but against the ground of them thou shalt not rise; for the ground of it is Need, as natural hunger, which thou must necessarily feel, and must attend thereto, and satisfy it in fitting time and manner, and help thyself against it by medicine of meat, as thou wouldst help thyself in a reasonable manner against a bodily sickness, that thou mayest more freely serve God both bodily and spiritually. (John Climacus)

I wonder if Climacus would allow that we can enjoy what we need?

Since we need to eat, in attending reasonably thereto can we take care to choose or make a meal that enlivens our senses?

In determining what is reasonable, I understand we should not over-consume. Neither should we consume in a manner that is motivated by envy or reinforces pride.

One of the meals I remember most was a wonderful asparagus risotto with a glass of prosecco taken just after mass at St. Marks on a beautiful Sunday in Venice. I ate nearly alone on the Danielli terrace.

The setting was extraordinarily beautiful and the meal was flavorful, steaming hot, and practically perfect. Was this sinful or a continuation of the worship I had begun in St. Marks?