We Three Kings

Today is the 6th day of January. In the days of old, before Weekends and Weekdays, when it wasn’t important to move things around, today was The Feast of Three Kings or the Epiphany of the Lord. Along came work weeks, and before you knew it, things were moved to Sunday whenever possible.

So while today is the actual date, tomorrow is the Mass for the Epiphany of the Lord. It is the celebration of the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem. For the record, it wasn’t an easy journey, lasting less than two weeks from the birth to the visit. No, Jesus was not an infant laying in a manger when the visitors arrived to pay Him homage. We know this because Matthew was precise in his language, a true stickler for detail.

They entered the house and saw the child with His mother, Mary and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:11

Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became furious. And he sent word to kill all boys in Bethlehem and in all its surrounding area, from two years old and under, according to the time he had determined from the magi.
Matthew 2:16

Christ is no longer an infant in a manger, but a child, in a house. According to the time determined, He was no more than two. While most of us have Nativities in our home, and we are familiarly with the images of kings bowing down to a baby in a manger, scripturally this isn’t correct.

No matter. The point is that Christ was first revealed to the Jewish shepherds tending their flock, then to the gentiles. Just as Peter brought the good news to the Jewish people, while Paul’s ministry included the gentiles. Jews are His chosen people. Christians are His adopted children. In the eyes of God, there is no distinction. This is reason enough to rejoice and give thanks.

Today is a Saturday. Tomorrow is the Mass to celebrate the Feast of Three Kings and the Epiphany of Our Lord. Tomorrow we’ll honor the day with a feast. For now, enjoy this beautiful day of the Lord’s making with a casual yet oh so satisfying family supper.

One-Skillet Tater Tot Sloppy Joes
2 Garlic Cloves
1 (15 oz) can Pinto Beans
Olive Oil as needed
1 lb Ground Beef
8 oz Tomato Sauce
1/2 cup Ketchup
2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon Yellow Mustard
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
Fresh Black Pepper to taste
1-1/2 cups grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided
16 oz Tater Tots

Peel and mince garlic, set aside. Drain beans, rinse well under cold water and set aside.

Set a 12-inch oven-safe skillet (such as cast iron skillet) over medium-low heat. Add a few drops of olive oil to the skillet, sauté the garlic for no more than a minute, just until fragrant and a light golden color. Crumble in the ground beef, increase heat to medium-high. Cook meat until no longer pink, breaking apart as it cooks. Drain well.

While the meat is browning, arrange the oven rack in the center position, heat the oven to 425-degrees.

In a large measuring cup combine the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Season with garlic powder, onion powder and fresh pepper to taste. Whisk to blend well. Pour the sauce over the browned meat, stir to combine. Mix in the drained pinto beans; simmer for about 8 minutes, until heated through and the sauce has slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.

Smooth out the top of the Sloppy Joe mixture with the back f a spoon. Sprinkle with a cup of grated cheese. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake in the heated oven for about 25 minutes or so, until the cheese has melted and the tater tots are warm and browned.

Remove from oven. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

---

 Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.