A Feast to Honor Another Mary

She was Mary of Magdala who later became known simply as Mary Magdalene. She was one of the earliest followers of Jesus, who bore witness to his Crucifixion and Resurrection. She is a woman shrouded in mystery.

All four canonical gospels of the New Testament note that Mary Magdalene was present at the Crucifixion, but only the Gospel of Luke gives any glimpse of her role in His life and ministry. According to Luke, after Jesus cast out seven demons, Mary became a part of a group of women who traveled with him. Christ has hundreds, if not thousands, of followers. Most are not named. The fact that we know her name indicates that she was important. Mary Magdalene played a key role in the story of the Resurrection. Some speculate that because of her clear importance and influence, some early church leaders sought to downplay her influence by portraying her as a sinner, specifically a prostitute, fallen and only important in that she was saved by Christ’s driving demons from her. A closer examination of scripture reveals just how Jesus himself empowered the women in his ministry. This surely made men of the time uncomfortable. There is no evidence that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. And even if that were true, it makes no difference. She was still chosen to bring the news of His resurrection to others. The fact that Jesus chose a women, when the testimony of women was considered unreliable, also speaks of His view regarding the value of women. He held them in high regard indeed.

It was Saint Thomas Aquinas that gave Mary Magdalene the title “Apostle of the Apostles”. It is in recognition that she brought the news of Christ’s resurrection to His Apostles in hiding. Not only did Mary discover the empty tomb, but also met with the Risen Lord. He tells her to “go and find the brothers and tell them I am ascending to my Father.” She is the first to proclaim Him as having overcome death. She is the first to announce the joyful message of Easter.

Today we celebrate her feast day. She is a women to be held in high regard.

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Today is also the 4th Saturday in July. It is National Cowboy Day. Since the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene takes president over any secular day, we won’t dwell too much on the importance of Cowboys in the forming of the west or the roles they continue to play today. That said, we will sit down to a supper that is sure to please any cowboy out there. Enjoy!

Beef Tips in Gravy
2 lbs Sirloin Beef Tips
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 packet Brown Gravy Mix
1 envelop Dry Onion Soup Mix
2 cups Beef Stock
Parsley for garnish

Heat oven to 300-degrees.

If using Sirloin Steak rather than Beef Tips, cut steak into bite-size pieces. Season with salnd and pepper, toss. Place beef tips in a casserole dish and set aside.

In a large bowl, stir together the soup, gravy mix, dried soup mix and beef stock. Pour over the beet tips, stir to coat.

Cover dish tightly with foil and bake in the low heated oven for 2-½ hours.

When ready to serve, mince parsley, sprinkle of the beef tips as a splash of color. Serve with mashed potatoes and enjoy!

Red Skin Parsley Mashed Potatoes
8 medium Red Skin Potatoes
4 tablespoons Butter
¼ cup Milk
Salt to taste
White Pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Parsley Flakes

Scrum and quarter potatoes. Set aside.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add potatoes, and cook until potatoes are tender by still slightly firm, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In the same pan, combine butter and milk over low heat. Add potatoes back into the pan, mash until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Transfer mashed potatoes to a warm serving bowl or platter. Garnish with parsley flakes for a splash of color. Serve with Beef Tips.

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My soul is thirsting for You, O Lord my God