The power of three is something to behold. We are created in the image of God, and God is three beings in a single entity just as we are. There is God the Father – the intellectual existence, God the Son, the physical existence, and God the Holy Spirit, the spiritual being, our souls.
For the Christian Faith to exist, there had to be three births. These are the only births (Nativities) that are actually celebrated within the Catholic liturgical year, each with a feast day and a special Mass. The Nativity of Jesus, known throughout the world as Christmas, is one that is acknowledged in all Christian denominations. The other two, while known, are not necessarily celebrated with the same passion as Catholics.
The first is the Nativity of Mary, September 8. Within the Christian community, few acknowledge the importance of Mary in God’s plan of salvation in the same way Catholics do. Without Mary, and her surrender to His plan, Christ might not have come down from heaven. While Mary’s Nativity is not a Holy Day of Obligation, her conception (December 8) is.
The third Nativity noted on the Church Calendar is that of John the Baptist. Born six months before the Lord, Saint John was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Elizabeth was Mary’s older cousin. John was the last and greatest of the prophets foreshadowing the Messiah. Saint John as the promised forerunner, prepared the way for the coming Lord and led many to salvation. Unlike Mary, the immaculate conception, John was conceived with the stain of Original Sin. Yet as promised, while still in his mother’s womb, he was so filled with the Holy Spirit that he leapt for joy as the stain of Adam’s disobedience vanished. The sole biblical account of John’s birth can be found in the Gospel of Luke. Like Christ, when John began his ministry, there were those who followed him. Among his early followers were two brothers, Simon and Andrew. Andrew was present at the Jordon when John declared “Behold, the Lamb of God!” It was John’s declaration that first drew Andrew to Jesus, becoming the first of his followers. Just as it was Andrew who brought his brother to Christ. And it was Simon who became Peter, the rock on which Jesus built His church. This legacy began with John, the voice in the wilderness.
Today we celebrate the birth of John the Baptist. Praise be to God, for in His infinite wisdom, He prepared for us a path of salvation. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare your Way.” A voice of one calling in the wilderness, “prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.” John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, as promised, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Today is also a beautiful and glorious Saturday. What better way to spend Saturday than with a barbecue supper so amazingly simple yet bursting with flavor. These ribs are cooked to perfection, and simply fall off the bone.
Simple Baby Back Ribs
2 racks Meaty Baby Back Ribs
Dry Rub of Choice
Barbecue Seasoning to taste
1 (18 oz) bottle Mesquite Barbecue Sauce
Heat oven to 300 degrees. Cut two sheets of heavy-duty foil (enough to wrap each rack well), and set aside along with a baking sheet to hold the ribs.
Rinse ribs, remove fascia (thin sliver layer on the underside of the ribs). This is best done with a sharp knife to pierce and lift the layer away from the ribs. Grab with a paper towel for better grip and pull hard to the opposite end. Rinse ribs again to remove any bits of trimmed fat that may be clinging to the meat.
Rub ribs generously with any flavor of Dry Rub desired. (I used one made for Tri-Tip). Rub well on both sides so the flavoring penetrated from all directions. Sprinkle with dry Barbecue Seasoning, rub again.
Place ribs on the foil, wrap tightly to seal. Place on the baking sheet, slide into the warm oven to slow-bake for about an hour. Carefully remove baking sheet from the oven, open to expose the ribs. Pour about a third of the barbecue sauce over the rubs, brush to spread and coat well. Seal foil tight again, return to the oven. Continue to slow cook for another hour without peeking.
Heat grill to medium-high heat. Remove ribs from oven, place on the heated grill. Douse with remaining barbecue sauce. Grill for about 10 minutes, until sauce caramelizes over the ribs. Serve and enjoy – just watch those bones fall away, leaving the most tender pork ribs imaginable!
Since my mother’s womb, O Lord, you have been my strength.
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