Feast of Saint Thomas, the Apostle

Today is the Feast Day of Saint Thomas, the Apostle. He was one of the twelve chosen by Christ. And yet Thomas seems to get the short end of the stick so often. Doubting Thomas. Demanding proof with his own eyes before believing.

Yet Thomas is not all that different from the rest of us. I come from a Catholic household. My parents were both Catholics. My mother a cradle Catholic, my father a convert as a young man. We were raised Catholic. My father’s side of the family were not Catholic, nor were they interested in learning anything at all about this strange “ungodly” faith. My mother’s side were cradle Catholics. Yet so many have turned away from our birthright faith.

Much of Catholic doctrine is misunderstand. Outsiders see the Rosary as a form of worship, with more Hail Marys than Our Fathers, obviously placing a greater emphasis on Mary. To those who do not know, it would appear so. Praying the Rosary isn’t just reciting the same group of prayers over and over again. The repetition keeps the mind occupied while the soul focuses not on prayer but on the Mysteries of Faith that are called to mind. Since Catholics are encouraged to pray the Rosary every day, each of the four Mysteries of the Rosary are assigned particular days throughout the year. Only the Luminous Mysteries are not recited on a Sunday, reserved for Thursdays only throughout the year. Of the mysteries of the Rosary, the Luminous are fairly new, given to the Church by Saint John Paul II. At the time, he felt certain that praying the Rosary needed to be illuminated – a light shone upon it to demonstrate the purpose of these prayers. The Five Mysteries of the Luminous Rosary are The Baptism of Jesus, the Miracle at the Wedding Feast, the Proclamation of the Good News, the Transfiguration and the Last Supper. The Rosary is a way of focusing on Christ, on His life and His ministry. Everything about the Catholic Faith is praising God.

What does all this have to do with Saint Thomas? Catholics believe that Mary, upon her death, was assumed into Heaven, body and soul. Catholics believe that when she died in Jerusalem, it did not matter where the apostles were, they were mysteriously brought to her side, as witnesses to her death. All but Thomas. Thomas was in India at the time. He was the only one to witness Mary’s assumption into heaven. Perhaps it was his reward for coming to accept Jesus as the Risen Lord. Or perhaps it was a way to teach him about speaking the truth in the face of doubters. When Thomas told the others of Mary’s assumption, as expected, they had doubts. That is until they saw for themselves that her tomb was empty, and only her girdle remain, just as Saint Thomas has said.

Faith requires belief without proof. The Catholic Faith is rich in tradition, customs and oral history. Far more so than any other Christian faith. It fills me every day with joy. It also frightens me. I know that as a believer, I am also a soldier in battle. Lucifer exists. He convinced one-third of the angels in Heaven, beings who were physically in the presence of God, to follow him. If Lucifer could do that, imagine what lies he tells to man? The greatest of which is that even among some Christians, they doubt in the devil’s existence. Don’t be a Doubting Thomas. Don’t wait until you have proof of Satin’s existence before taking action. By then chances are, it will be too late. Be ready and stand guard.

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Buttery Pan-Seared Flank Steak
4 tablespoons Butter, divided
1 teaspoon fresh minced Parsley
1/2 teaspoon minced Garlic
1/4 teaspoon Soy Sauce
1 (1-1/4 lb) Beef Flank Steak
Pinch Salt
Black Pepper to taste

Let butter soften. Snip parsley. Mix 3 tablespoon of the softened butter with parsley, garlic and soy sauce. Set aside.

Sprinkle steak with salt and pepper. Let rest on the counter for 30 minutes to even internal temperature.

When ready, heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat until almost smoking. Add remaining tablespoon butter, then steak. Reduce heat to medium-high, pan sear until meat has reached desired doneness.

Note: Medium-rare steak should sear about 4-1/2 minutes per side.

Remove steak from skillet. Plate, spread butter over the steak so the butter will seep into the meat. Tent for 10 minutes while basting in butter. Slice steak against the grain, fan out and serve. Delicious with Red Bliss Roasted Potatoes and green beans.

Red Bliss Roasted Potatoes
12 small Red Potatoes
3 tablespoon Olive Oil
4 Garlic Cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh Rosemary
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
2 tablespoons Butter

Heat oven to 425-degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy clean up; set aside.

Wash potatoes, pat dry and cut into quarters. Place potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, toss to coat.

Peel and mince garlic. Strip rosemary from sprigs, mince. Add garlic and rosemary to the red potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Toss well. (I’m one of those use your hands cooks to get a real feel for what I’m creating. So roll up your sleeves and leave the spoon for liquids).

Pour potatoes out onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the heated oven for about 30 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally to allow even roasting.

When the potatoes are nicely roasted on the outside while tender on the inside, add butter to the roasting pan. Cover and allow butter to melt. Swirl potatoes through the melted butter just before serving.

Kitchen Cut Green Beans
1 can Kitchen Cut Green Beans
Salt to taste
Butter to taste

Drain the green beans well. Place in a sauce pan over medium heat. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and top with a pat of butter. Warm gently, allowing butter to melt over the beans.

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Alleluia, alleluia.
You believe in Me, Thomas, because you have seen Me, says the Lord;
blessed are those who have not seen, but still, believe!
Alleluia, alleluia.