The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is another of those pesky moveable feasts. Like so many feasts, this one is tied to Easter Sunday, which is also moveable. Here’s how confusing the date is. The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus falls on the Friday that follows the second Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, which is 50 days after Easter. It is the Friday following the Octave of Corpus Christi.
Confused? Yeah, me, too. Which is why I rely on our Catholic Calendar that hangs in the kitchen. The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart was actually established for the Church by Christ. You won’t find it mentioned in Holy Scripture. It comes to us through Saint Margret Mary Alacoque, who received private revelations from Jesus Christ himself. He spoke with her on June 16, 1675, tasking her with the honor and duty to promote a feast solely dedicated to his most Sacred Heart.
Catholics must sound a bit touched in the head when we talk about this particular feast. Christ spoke to someone? Yes. We know that Saint Paul met Jesus on the road to Damasks after His death and resurrection. Christians worldwide accept this encounter without question. So is it so much to accept Margret Mary’s revelations? There are times when I hear God speak to me. It’s not a voice like you or I have. It’s a feeling, pressed deep within my heart, and I know what He wants of me. I don’t believe for a moment that I am alone in this encounter. Some understand and accept the experience. Some, fearful of what others might say or think, deny that it has happened. Sadly, I think there are more who are in denial of the experience than those willing to admit to it.
When I was a girl growing up, the image of Christ’s Sacred Heart was commonplace. Once upon a time in Catholic homes everywhere there were statues or panting proudly on display. And not just put out on the feast day, but every day as a reminder that we are all called to love God with the same Sacred Heart as Jesus. Catholics are taught from an early age to believe we have a duty to strive for sainthood. This does not mean be perfect, but it does mean to love and honor and keep Holy all that Christ has taught. While only a few are successful, we are all duty bound to strive for it.
Since this feast always falls on a Friday (even when the Mass Celebration may be moved to the following Sunday), custom dictates that a traditional Catholic Friday Supper be served. I have chosen an Open Face Tuna Melt for two reasons. As a child growing up in a pre-Vatican II world you could almost be guaranteed a Friday supper of fish sticks or tuna sandwiches, depending upon the season. Fish Sticks in the winter, for a warm meal, and sandwiches in the summer. This Tuna Melt is in the spirit of my childhood. I chose to make the sandwiches open face on English Muffins to symbolize turning to God with an open and contrite heart. The muffins represent nooks and crannies – the pitfalls and stumbling blocks in our quest to be better followers of the Lord.
English Muffin Tuna Melts
6 toasted English Muffin halves (3 muffins)
2 small cant Tuna in Water
1 Celery Rib
1/8 (about a tablespoon) Red Onion
2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Miracle Whit
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
1 large Tomato
6 slices American, Provolone or Monterey Jack Cheese
Heat oven to 350-degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, set aside.
Split English Muffins and lightly toast in a toaster. Place the muffins, cut side up, on the prepared pan and set aside.
Drain tuna, place in a mixing bowl, flake and set aside. Mince celery and onion, add to the tuna. Mix in mayonnaise and Miracle Whip. Taste tuna salad, season as desired with salt and pepper.
Divide tuna salad amount the English Muffins, smooth out the top as much a possible. Place in the oven to bake for about 8 minutes.
Meanwhile, slice the tomato into 6 thin round slices. Set aside.
Remove from oven, top each muffin with a slice of tomato, topped with a slice cheese. Heat broiler of oven, return sandwiches to the oven and broil for another 2 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt. Serve with a knife and fork, and enjoy.
Bless the Lord, O my soul; and let all that is within me bless His Holy name
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