Tuesday and Our Lady of Carmel

Today we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Carmel. The Carmelites date back even before Christ, established by the Prophet Elijah. It is a part of the rich Oral Traditions of the Catholic Faith.

What those outside the faith might not realize is that Carmelites are more than a religious order. In other words, members of the Third Order of Carmelites are lay people, not those who have taken vows of in a Religious Life. They have felt the call of God, and in answering that call, have dedicated every aspect of their lay lives to serve the poor, to proclaim the Gospel, to denounce injustices and live in the presence of God. These are witnesses of the faith in a profound and moving way. Just as Religious Life is not for everyone, the Carmelite life is not for all lay people. While I admire them, I do not feel the call – at least not at this point in my life. I might never feel that calling, and that’s okay too. God has a purpose for each of us in our own way, with the gifts and talents He has bestowed upon us.

We are all called to be witnesses to God’s presence, His love and His unending forgiveness. We are called to love one another, even those who hate us. We are called to care for one another as Christ cared for all He met. The more we love, the more love grows within us. The more we seek joy even in the darkest of times, the more joy will rise up inside us. I have met people who are angry with God, blaming Him for all the bad things in this world. Even in my darkest hour, I have never been angry with God. I’ve been angry with myself for thinking I knew better than God did or that I didn’t need to listen. If God says take the path to the right, and I decide the one to the left is more appealing, whose fault is it when things go wrong? Mine. So who should I be angry with?

I understand that need to blame God. When we were children and told that there is a bedtime or that cookies for dinner was not acceptable, we blamed our parents. They didn’t understand. They didn’t get it. The reality is that they were looking out for our best interest. We needed our sleep as children, and one cannot live on cookies alone. Now that we are all grown up, with children of our own or grandchildren to teach, we have the same rules. And so it is with God, the Father. Just remember, He is always waiting, willing to take us back when we have our tantrums.

Looks like I did it again, went off course. Today was supposed to be about Our Lady of Carmel and the Scapular. The brown Scapular dates back to this date in 1251 when Our Lady gave it to Saint Simon Stock. She made the promise, saying “Receive my beloved son, this habit of thy order: this shall be to thee and to all Carmelites a privilege, that whosoever dies clothed in this shall never suffer eternal fire. It shall be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger, and a pledge of peace.”

Some scoff at this idea that wearing a brown bit of cloth around your neck can save you from hell. They miss the point. It’s not the cloth, but rather what that cloth symbolizes. Belief in God, in Jesus, in the Holy Spirit. When you believe, you act accordingly. When you act accordingly chances are you won’t find yourself in hell for all eternity. It’s not what’s around your neck but rather what is in your heart that matters. Symbols help us to focus on that which truly matters. The Rosary alone does nothing. Pick it up, pray and then there is power. That’s just the way it works. Faith is require.

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Today is a beautiful day to enjoy something spicy from the kitchen. Are you ready to get cooking on this sizzling Tuesday? Then let’s do it!

Chicken Taquitos
2 boneless Chicken Breasts
7 tablespoons Taco Seasoning, divided
1 can Whole Black Beans
1/2 cup Cilantro
1 (4 oz) can Hatch Green Chilies
1 (10 oz) can Ro-Tel Tomatoes
2 cups Mexican Cheese Blend
20 small Corn Tortillas
Vegetable Oil as needed

Heat oven to 375-degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy clean up, set aside.

Rub about a tablespoon of taco seasoning over each side of each breast. Arrange seasoned breasts on the prepared pan. Bake in the heated oven for 15 minutes. Flip breasts over, bake another 15 minutes or until cooked through. Let cool before dicing.

While the breasts are baking, rinse and drain black beans. Mince cilantro. Set aside until ready to use. Remove chicken from oven; lay out on a cutting board. Dice chicken into small pieces, set aside.

Remove foil from baking sheet, replace with a clean sheet of foil. Spray foil with cooking spray and set aside.

In a bowl, mix black beans, cilantro, chilies, 3 remaining tablespoons taco seasoning, the tomatoes and cheese. Stir to blend well.

Add diced chicken, mix again and set Taquito filling aside.

In a small skillet over medium heat, warm about an inch of oil. With tongs, dip one tortilla at a time into the hot oil for just a few seconds on each side. Blot tortillas with paper towels, stack on a plate. Repeat until all the tortillas have been quick-fried.

Working with one tortilla at a time, spread about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture across one end of the tortilla. Gently but firmly roll tortilla around the filling as tightly as possible. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking pan. Repeat until all the tortillas have been filled.

Spray tortilla tops lightly with cooking spray to help brown. Bake in the heated oven for about 12 minutes or to desired crispness.

Serve with Mexican Rice, sour cream, salsa and margaritas. Any leftover Taquitos can be wrapped; frozen and fried up later.

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Lord, create a pure heart within me
Let me live a holy life in Your presence