Sweet Kissing

 When Jesus became Man, it was possible for people to see Him, and make pictures of Him.  There's stories of a woman named Veronica, who wiped His face, on His way to be crucified, and Jesus' image was imprinted on that cloth.  I once heard a story of people from far away, in Jesus time, who heard about Jesus, and wondered what He looked like.  The king sent an artist to go draw His picture.  

Anyway, pictures of Jesus and those associated with Him, are called icons.  This particular has the title Theotokos of Tenderness.  Theotokos is Greek for God bearer.  Jesus is God and Mary gave birth to Jesus, hence she is called Theotokos.

I like this picture because Mary is sad.  She fears for the future of her Son.  What a horrible fate He will have.  But in this icon, the baby Jesus is comforting His Mother.  How sweet is that?

Jesus' love is telling her (us too, looking at the icon) not to worry; our crosses will pass but the Resurrection will last forever.  

To Tell or Not to Tell

 Usually, Jesus told people not to tell others of their miracle healing.  There are many examples, one of which is Mark 1: 43-44.

But in Luke 8: 26-39, Jesus told the healed man to tell--spread the news of what happened to you.

What's the difference?

When Jesus was among His own people, He wasn't ready to be acknowledge as the Messiah.  But in Luke 8: 26-39, He was among Gentiles.  He wanted them to know their Messiah, so He wanted the Word to be spread.

However, when you read what happened to the demons, the people were frightened.  Indeed, they were so overcome with fear, that they asked Jesus to leave.

This time, the people weren't ready for the Messiah, instead of the Messiah not being ready.

Intentions

 Have you ever heard, "Today's Mass is being offered for the intentions of ...."?

What does that mean?

This is an ancient custom.  It's a way of directing everyone's prayers toward some good for which we earnestly desire to pray.  The Mass can be offered for someone who needs help, for peace between nations, or for any other good intention that is pleasing to God and upholds his glory.

If you look at the bulletin of the parish, you will see the Mass intentions. When you attend a Mass offered for a particular intention, you should do your best to offer your own prayers for that intention.  That way the whole congregation, united in one prayerful body by Holy Communion, will be offering the same prayer intentions together.

Corban

This morning, I was reading Matthew 15: 1-10, and came across the term, Corban vow.  The footnote states: "Anyone who made a Corban vow was required to dedicate money to God's temple."  Sounds like tithing.  What's wrong with it?

It seems that the people were using it as a point of honor to see who could give the most.  Some people were giving more than their budget would allow.  In fact, they were neglecting their parents.  Jesus reminded them of the commandment to honor their parents. 

Easter Witches

 Why not?  We have Easter bunnies, and whatever bunnies have to do with the Resurrection, is beyond me.  In Sweden, after Good Friday, when Jesus died and the witches are celebrating, the children on Saturday, dress in their grandmother's clothes and go house to house, like we American children do on Halloween.

The witches are celebrating because Jesus is dead.

It's a short celebration.

Sunday brings Jesus' Resurrection.  

Galilean Fish Broil

BIBLICALLY BROILED FISH

This Lenten recipe comes from “A Continual Feast.”  Note the beautiful story of Jesus appearing to the apostles on the shore of Lake Tiberias and preparing fish for his apostles after his resurrection (John 21:5). Preparing and eating food together is one of the most basic and immediate ways of communicating our love, as Christ reminds us here.  While we do not have any recipes from the time of Christ, we do know what foods were available and used by the Jews of Palestine during his lifetime. This recipe uses that background for inspiration.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. of any fresh or defrosted fish; smaller fish or filets or steaks can be left whole while larger fish should be split

• 4 cloves garlic, chopped or minced
  
  

• Salt (to taste)

• Olive oil

• Red wine vinegar or lemon juice (see note below)

• Lettuce

• Greek or other strongly flavored olives

• Optional: chopped fresh mint leaves

Directions: Clean, rinse, and salt the fish. Rub with garlic, and brush with oil. Preheat the broiler. Place the fish in an oiled pan (you can add parchment or foil before oiling for easy cleanup). For smaller fish, broil fish about 3 inches from the flame (the higher rack) or about 5 inches (the lower rack) for larger fish. Split fish should be broiled skin side down. While cooking, base generously with olive oil and a little vinegar or lemon juice.

When ready, remove the fish from the oven and serve on a bed of lettuce, surrounded by olives. Naan or pita bread would be a natural companion to the dish.

The article and picture are from Aleteia freeskyline | Shutterstock | Altered by Aleteia

Taking Correction

 Disingenuous may not be the exact word that I want, but it will give you the idea.  My granddaughter was told, by a teacher, today, that she didn't take correction well.

How can one possibly respond?

If you disagree, you are proving the accusation.  You aren't taking the correction very well.

On the other hand, if you don't say anything, aren't you disproving the accusation?