Today we celebrate two very different yet indispensable pillars of faith – Saints Peter and Paul. Peter was an apostle, Paul a calculated persecutor of the early Church. And yet Christ touched both their lives, transforming them into tools of faith.
Peter was one of the twelve, chosen by Jesus to be more than a follower or even a preacher spreading the good news. Jesus once said Peter was the rock on which He would build His church. As Catholics, we trace our existence back to the first Pope of the Faith, Saint Peter. There have been 265 Popes since Peter, a total of 266 Bishops of Rome, Christ’s Vicar on Earth. Not every pope has led the Church in the right direction, but all have served a purpose in God’s plan.
Paul met the Risen Lord. It’s not hard to imagine that such an encounter would be life-altering. Paul is responsible, be it directly or indirectly, for much of what is contained in the New Testament. However; he was never destined to lead the Church as Pope. Saint Peter’s successor was Saint Linus. Saint Linus was the first Pope of Roman heritage. And his successor, Saint Anacletus, was the first Greek Pope.
In much of the art depicting the two, Peter is shown with keys. These are said to be the keys to heaven. Symbolically Christ entrusted Peter with the keys to salvation, the keys to His Church on earth. Just as Saint Paul is often portrayed with a sword. While considered a fierce warrior, his battles were of a spiritual nature. Since 395, their feast day has been one. Saint Augustine of Hippo once said of them “Both apostles share the same feast day, for these two were one; and even though they suffered on different days, they were one. Peter went first, and Paul followed.” They are considered to be Pillars of the Church of Jerusalem, forever linked in their convictions and willingness to die for their beliefs. Few of us are so willing. Thank God, few of us are asked.
From a secular perspective, today is National Waffle Iron Day. What could be better than delicious waffles? It’s been a while since I’ve shared this recipe for Malted Waffles. Today seemed a fitting day to dust off the recipe card, heat up the waffle iron and enjoy a day of the Lord’s creation.
Golden Malted Waffles
1-3/4 cups Flour
3/4 Cup Malted Milk Powder
1-1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 large Egg Yolk
1-1/2 cups Buttermilk
1 tablespoon Canola Oil
1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
3 large Egg Whites
3 tablespoons Sugar
Whisk flour, malted-milk powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk egg yolk, buttermilk, oil and vanilla in a medium bowl. Whisk into dry ingredients until just moistened.
Beat egg whites in a clean bowl with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until glossy but not dry. Whisk one-quarter of the beaten whites into the batter, then fold in remaining whites. Let batter rest 5-10 minutes while iron heats.
Lightly coat waffle iron with cooking spray. Spoon in batter and cook until waffle is crisp and golden. Repeat with remaining batter, lightly coating iron with cooking spray each time, if necessary. Dust waffles with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Fresh Summer Fruit is always a welcome touch.
The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear Him.
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