Prayer of Saint Francis

Our parish was truly blessed for a while by a young man named Michael who provided the musical accompaniments during our early morning Sunday Mass. He played both the organ and the piano. While not always perfect, his voice is that of an angel from above.

Recently I had the chance to speak with Michael at our parish Fall Festival. Normally I’m not one to walk up to someone I hold in high esteem and strike up a conversation. That is unless I have had a little. One thing about Catholics, when it comes to celebrations, we aren’t shy about the wine or the margaritas. I asked Michael if he were willing to take requests for the Communion Songs. He asked what I had in mind, so I gave him a quick list of my favorites, beginning with On Eagle’s Wing. He said On Eagle’s Wing is something you sing at funerals. I said we needed to be reminded that God will lift us up while we are still among the living. Michael made a face. Was there another song? Yes, Here I Am Lord. Suddenly Michael and I broke out in song right there in the parish hall, and people paused to listen.

I, The Lord Of Sea And Sky,
I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord, is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

And my all time favorite has to be the Prayer of Saint Francis. Michael nodded, giving my suggestions serious consideration. The very next Sunday, our Communion Song was On Eagle’s Wing. My heart fluttered. The following Sunday, Michael sang two songs – the first was Here I Am, and the second was the Prayer of Saint Francis.

Make me a channel of Your peace
Where there is hatred let me bring Your love
Where there is injury, Your pardon Lord
And where there’s doubt, true faith in You

Make me a channel of your peace
Where there’s despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there’s sadness ever joy

Oh, master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul

Make me a channel of your peace
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
In giving to all men let we receive
And in dying that we’re born to turn around

Oh, master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul

Make me a channel of Your peace
Where there’s despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light

I knew on this the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi, I had to share his prayer with you. Michael has left our parish to attend school. His voice will dearly be missed. But I am sure God will send us a new Cantor in good time. In the meanwhile, we well raise our voices up an a clamor of joyful noise.

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Today is also National Taco Day. We’ve done tacos twice now as part of our Saint Francis of Assisi celebration. This time around, I thought a dip that could very easily feed a small country might be a nice change of pace. Have a Blessed Day everyone!

Spicy Taco Bean Dip
1/2 lb Ground Beef
1/2 lb Chorizo
4 tablespoons Taco Seasoning, divided
1 (16 oz) block Habanero Cheddar Cheese
1 bunch Green Onions
3 Garden Ripe Tomatoes
1/2 cup Sour Cream
1/3 cup Miracle Whip
3 (9 oz) can Jalapeno Bean Dip
1 (4 oz) can Chopped Hatch Chilies
8 oz Spicy Guacamole
8 oz Spicy Salsa
Assorted Fresh Peppers for garnish
Tortilla Strips for serving

Brown ground beef and chorizo together in a large cast iron skillet, allowing flavors to blend. Break up meat as it browns. Season with 2 tablespoons taco seasoning BEFORE meats are drained. The seasoning with absorb some of the grease, and impart flavor. Once cooks and seasoned, drain well and set aside.

Shred cheese, set aside. Slice green onions, set aside. Cut tomatoes in half, remove seeds and discard. Dice tomato flesh into small pieces, set aside.

In a small bowl, mix sour cream, miracle whip and remaining 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, set aside.

In a large casserole dish or foil cake pan, spread the bean dip. Top beans with the meat mixture, then salsa, guacamole and sour cream mixture. Drain green chilies, scatter over the sour cream. Top Hatch Chilies with grated cheese.

To finish, sprinkle green onions and diced tomatoes over the top of the layered dip. Adorn with desired fresh peppers to indicate level of heat. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Great with Tortilla Strips.

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Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget You O Lord