Happy Earthy Birthday Saint John Paul II

There are a lot of things going on today on the National Front. It’s No Dirty Dishes Day and Armed Forces Day. We’ve celebrated both in the past. Since I’ve been more focused on the Church as of late, I thought it would be nice to talk about a man I truly admire. Today is his birthday.

In my lifetime, there have been seventy Popes. None greater than the man I honor today. I can so vividly recall a day in September 1978 when I went to visit my father. I could hear church bells ringing, so I asked why. Dad said for the Pope. He died. I thought that’s odd, he died in August. Why are church bells ringing in September? Dad laughed and said “No, the new pope is dead.” Wow – 33 days – his Pontiac had to be the shortest on record. The Church was without a Pope for 21 days more days.

In its infinite wisdom, Karol Józef Wojtyla was elected the 264th Pope of the Catholic Church. He was the first pope of Slavic origins, and the first non-Italian pope since Pope Adrian VI (1522-1523). Pope John Paul II, now Saint John Paul II is perhaps the most well-known if not most-loved pontiffs in recently history. He taught us so much, and most of that was by example. When an attempt was made on his life, he not only visited the assailant in prison, but prayed with him, and forgave him. When the Church was rocked with the sexual scandals (not that they were new, but that they were now out in the open), he refused to accept any action that did not also include forgiveness. There is a difference between forgiving and condoning. Hate the sin, embrace the sinner. Christ expects noting less. In his final days, Saint John Paul II showed the meaning of dying with strength and dignity. When my own time comes, I hope to be that strong, that able to comfort those that I will leave behind.

Part of his amazing legacy was that he canonized more saints than all his predecessors. He gave an extraordinary impetus to the Canonizations and Beatifications; focusing on countless examples of holiness within ordinary individuals as an incentive for the people of our time. As Catholics we are encouraged to strive for sainthood. That does not make us better then our fellow man, but rather that we surrender completely to God’s will. We become His instrument. The prayer of Saint Francis sums it up best, and always brings tears to my eyes, for it is what I long to do.

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 isn’t 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

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To celebrate the birthday of such a humble yet holy man, I thought a rather simple supper would be appropriate. I think Saint John Paul II would love a backyard barbecue. Warning, the sauce is just a little sweet and a lot sassy.

Sweet Spicy Pickle Sauce Cheeseburgers
Sweet Spicy Pickle Sauce
1/4 cup Mayonnaise
3 tablespoons Ketchup
3 tablespoons Sweet Pickle Relish
1 tablespoon Hot Sauce or to taste
Pinch Garlic Powder
Pinch Onion Powder

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, relish and hot sauce. Season with garlic and onion powder to taste. Set sauce aside until ready to use.

Cheeseburgers
1/2 cup shredded Iceberg Lettuce
3 Tomato slices
1/4 Red Onion
12 Hamburger Pickle Chips
1 lb Ground Beef
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
3 toasted Onion Buns, split
6 slices American or Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Shred lettuce, slice tomatoes and onion. Drain pickles on a paper towel. Set aside until ready to use.

Divide meat into three equal portions. Shape into burgers about 3/4-inch thick. Liberally season burgers with salt and pepper. Freeze burgers for about 20 minutes, until firm. While the burgers freeze, toast buns and wrap in foil until ready to use.

Heat grill to medium-high heat. Oil well to prevent burgers from sticking. Cook burgers to liking, about 4 minutes or so per side. Once the burgers are cooked, top each with 2 slices of cheese. Close grill and let cheese melt.

Spread a healthy dollop of Pickle Sauce on the top and bottom toasted buns. Scatter onion on the bottom bun, then a slice of tomato and some shredded lettuce. Top with cheeseburger, some pickles and the top bun. Serve with French Fries and enjoy.

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I will send to you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord;
he will guide you to all truth.