Forgivness on Wednesday of Holy Week

While the infamous Betrayal with a Kiss has not yet happened, we know from scripture that the motions of His betrayal have been put into place. The writing, if you will, is on the wall. There is no turning back.

Judas is probably the most despised human being in the story of salvation. How could he sit at the feet of Our Lord, then rise and sell him for 30 pieces of silver? To that I can only say two things. First, witnesses were often paid for their testimony. The fact that Judas received payment is neither unusual or shocking to those living at this time. Keep in mind his role among the twelve – he was the treasurer. It was his job to obtain and distribute moneys for the “cause”. Secondly, Judas was there, among the twelve, because Jesus chose him. Without the betrayal, there would be no salvation. The gates of heaven would have remained closed. Could I have done what he did? No. I don’t know a single person who would say yes. Which is why Christ chose Judas, knowing that he would answer yes when no one else would. When we see Judas in this light, the hatred begins to fade, and forgiveness is possible.

Understanding is fundamental in the forgiveness process. Understanding is not the same as condoning. It means an acceptance of human failures, of weaknesses, and of circumstances that allow us to forgive. While the actions of an unfaithful spouse can never be condoned, they can be forgiven. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others. Forgiveness in the key to salvation.

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New Orleans Chicken and Wild Rice Bake
2 boxes Long Grain and Wild Rice Mix
1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon Slap Yo Mamma Cajun Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 (10 oz) can Cream of Celery Soup
1 (10 oz) can Cream of Mushrooms Soup
1-1/4 cans Water (using soup can)
2 envelopes Dry Onion Soup Mix
2 tablespoons Flour
4 boneless Chicken Breasts
Salt to taste
French Bread for serving

Note: If the rice mix comes with its own seasoning, discard packets or reserve for another use. Things such as Herb Butter Seasoning or other flavors will clash with the spices in this dish.

Heat oven to 350-degrees. Spray a 9-inch by 13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray, set dish aside until ready to use.

In a large mixing bowl, empty boxes of rice. Add the cream of celery soup, cream of mushrooms soup and seasonings. Mix well. Whisk in water. Pour the rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread out evenly.

On a sheet of waxed paper, mix both dry soup mix packages with the flour. Spread out evenly. Lay the chicken breasts (pretty side down) on the dry soup mixture. Season the breast with a little salt, then press chicken gently into the dry soup mixture. When finished, the breasts with have dried onion soup on one side, salt seasoning on the other.

Place chicken, onion side up, on top of the rice mixture. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 90minutes. Remove foil, continue to bake for another 15 minutes, until chicken and rice are cooked through. Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

This dish is complete with the chicken and flavorful side. All that is needed for a feast is a salad and warm bread. Enjoy!

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 Lord, in Your great love, answer me.

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Catholic Reading for Holy Wednesday
1st Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9A
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 69:8-10; 21-22, 31; 3-34
Gospel: Matthew 26:14-25