Tuesday of Holy Week

Today is Holy Tuesday, one of the most important days of Holy Week for a number of reasons. There is the withered Fig Tree, the completion of Monday’s events on the road to Jerusalem. But Tuesday represents so much more.

The most common interpretation of Biblical Text is that Holy Tuesday is when Jesus was issued a variety of challenges by the Pharisees and Sadducees. He was questioned about marriage in heaven, paying taxes to Caesar and most importantly the source of His Authority. (Matthew 21:23-23:39; Mark 11:27-12:44 and Luke 20:1-21:4). Jesus spoke about His seven “woes” against the Pharisees, and later that evening he delivered the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25; Mark 13 and Luke 21:5-36) Jesus was asked what signs might we look for that would signal the End Times and His return. It is the longest recorded answer Christ has ever given to a single question, and its interpretation among various Christian groups do not agree. The biggest division is between Catholic and Protestant understanding of Tribulations and belief in the Rapture that has gains popularity. Catholics reject the Rapture. We believe that if you are on the earth at that point, you will not be called up to heaven and spared some sort of universal judgment.

For me, the best argument against the Rapture can be found in the Holocaust. If ever there was a point in man’s cruelty to his fellow man, it was then. If ever there was a time for God to call His people home to spare them suffering, it would have been then. For Christians to think we are loved more than those in the camps is self-serving and dangerous.

When reading the events of Holy Week, it should be noted that the Gospels were not necessarily recorded in chronologically order. Roman and Jewish days start at different times, making it even more difficult to be certain which events took place on which days of the week. What cannot be denied is that the events leading up to the arrest, crucifixion and ultimate resurrection happened.

---

When it comes to the family supper, today may be Holy, but it’s still a Tuesday. And that can only mean one thing – Spicy South of the Border delights and margaritas. Enjoy!

Frito Scoop Spicy Nachos
2 Roma Tomatoes
1/2 cup Nacho Style Pickled Jalapenos
2 Green Onions
1 Avocado
1 lb Ground Beef
1/2 lb Chorizo
3 tablespoons Taco Seasoning
1 (16 oz) can Refried Beans
1 tablespoons Bacon Drippings or Beef Stock
2 (15 oz) jars Nacho Cheese Sauce
1 (15 oz) bag Fritos Corn Scoops
Sour Cream as desired

Heat oven to 300 degrees.

Seed and dice tomatoes. Drain Nacho Jalapenos, dice. Trim roots of green onions, slice. Peel, pit and dice avocado. Set all garnishings aside.

Cook ground beef with chorizo in a cask iron skillet, breaking meat apart as it cooks. Season with taco seasoning, drain well and keep warm.

While the ground beef cooks, warm beans in the microwave with a little bacon drippings or beef stock to help thin the beans slightly and make it easier to spread. Warm cheese sauce in a pan over low heat.

Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil. Spread out half of the Frito Scoops. Sprinkle with half of the meat, half of the beans and half of the cheese. Top with remaining chips, meat, beans and cheese. Place in the oven to warm for just a few minutes. (Now’s the time to pour margaritas!)

Garnish with dicet tomatoes, jalapeno peppers green onions and avocado. Dollop with sour cream as desired. Serve and enjoy.

---

For thou art my patience,
O Lord: my hope, O Lord, from my youth.

---

Catholic Reading for Holy Tuesday
1st Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 71:1-4A, 5AB-6AB; 15 and 17
Gospel: Matthew John 13:21-33, 36-38