Of all the Marian Feasts throughout the year, this is by far the most personal to me if for no other reason than the connection of cousins. Elizabeth and Mary were cousins. John and Jesus were cousins. I grew up with cousins. They are as much my siblings as my brother and sisters are. It’s a connection I understand.
While we know that there was a large age gap between Mary, just a teenager, and Elizabeth, who was advanced in years, this did not diminish their bond. Mary rushed to be with Elizabeth. Why? Many reasons, beginning with the fact that child birth was not in a hospital, but a birth was a family affair. Mothers, sisters, cousins, female relations came together to help one another bring new life into the world. Family, including extended family, was necessary for survival. Family meant belonging to a community. Something we need to get back to. These ties, these commitments to one another are necessary. If we do not find them within our family, we seek them elsewhere. It is how gangs evolve. Gangs give the lost and the empty a sense of purpose.
Family commitment wasn’t the only reason Mary rushed to Elizabeth. She wanted to see the miracle Gabriel had spoken about – that nothing is impossible with God, who has given Elizabeth a child to bear in her old age. And Mary knew, if anyone could understand her own miraculous conception, it would be Elizabeth. When Mary called out to Elizabeth upon her arrival, John leapt in his mother’s womb. He danced with joy, just as David had danced before the Ark of the Covenant. When Elizabeth felt her child jump, she was filled with the Holy Spirit. She cried out the words that would become a part of the chief Marian prayer, the Hail Mary. When Catholics recite the Hail Mary, it is not to worship Mary but to repeat the words of Elizabeth and acknowledge Mary as the Mother of God. We ask that she comfort us now, as only a mother could, and at the hour of our death. It is a beautiful relationship with the Mother of God, one that fills us with a quiet stillness as we move closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Today the Church celebrates the Visitation of Mary. Granted, the Annunciation is March 25, and shortly thereafter Mary rushed to be with Elizabeth, so a date of May 31 doesn’t quite line up. But it does put the even between the Annunciation and the Nativity of John the Baptist, June 24. And that’s all we really need – to acknowledge the event and to reflect for a moment these two mothers, whose sons would change the world. John came first, to prepare the way for Jesus. Jesus died to save us all. Amen.
Today is also a Friday. Growing up, my mother served Fish Sticks on Fridays. I promise, these beautiful filets are not only prettier than a fish stick, they taste so much better. Enjoy and be blessed.
Texas Style Tilapia Bake
Texas Caviar
3 Roma Tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can Black Beans
1 (15 oz) can Black Eyed Peas or Pinto Beans
1 cup frozen Corn
1 Bell Pepper
1/2 Red Onion
2 Jalapeno Peppers
1/3 cup fresh Cilantro
Pinch of Cayenne or Ghost Pepper for heat
2 ripe Avocados
Lime Juice as needed
Note: Black Eyed Peas are traditional. If you are like me and not a fan of Black Eyed Peas, choose another type of bean that you do enjoy.
Seed and dice tomatoes, place in a large non-reactive bow.
Drain and rinse both types of beans, add to the tomatoes. Thaw corn under cold running water, drain well and add to the mixture.
Stem, core and dice bell pepper. Peel and finely dice onion. Stem and dice Jalapeno, retaining seeds only if seeking more heat. Add peppers and onion to the tomato mixture.
Snip cilantro, scatter over the caviar. Sprinkle with additional spice if more heat is desired. Toss well to incorporate. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
Note: this makes way more Texas Caviar than you’ll need for the Tilapia. I’m serving the rest with chips while lounging at the pool.
Just before serving, peel, seed and dice the avocados. Sprinkle avocados with a little limejuice to help retain color. Scatter over the caviar, toss and serve at once.
Tilapia Bake
4 Tilapia Filets
Salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon Cumin
1/2 teaspoon White Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1/2 teaspoon New Mexican Red Chili Powder
1-1/2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon Chipotle Chili Powder
2 tablespoons Spicy Olive Oil
Heat oven to 425-degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy clean up, set aside. Pat fish filets dry with paper towels, set aside.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together salt, cumin, white pepper, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder and chipotle powder. Sprinkle spice mixture of the fish, coating well. Place the seasoned fish on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle Tilapia with spicy olive oil. Place in the heated oven to bake for about 10 minutes, until flakey, turning about half way for even color.
Plate fish, top with Texas Caviar. Serve alongside Mexican rice. Garnish plates with a slice of lime if desired.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
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