Hail Mary, Our Queen

It has been eight days since the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Today, although not a Holy Day of Obligation as the Assumption was, Catholics celebrate the Queenship of the Blessed Mother. Much of Catholic Adoration for Mary is difficult for non-Catholics to understand.

Her Queenship is without a doubt the most difficult of all to accept. As I sat down to write today’s post, I thought about her Assumption into heaven. It’s an idea rejected by my Protestant Brothers and Sisters, yet they will quickly tell you of the Rapture. How can you believe that Jesus will call Christians home before the Tribulations of End Times yet reject that He summoned His mother to be with Him in heaven upon her earthly passing? It makes no sense to me. As a Catholic, the entire notion of the Rapture makes no sense. But that’s truly a conversation for another day.

Let me ask non-Catholics this question – is Jesus Christ Lord and King? Christians of every denomination would agree that He is. Fine. Is Mary is mother? Again, that would be a yes. So then she is the Queen Mother. What’s so difficult? She is the Mother of God. Her son is Lord and King. Jesus honored and respected His mother while on earth. Why should that have changed? She instructed Him to perform His first public miracle by changing water into wine. He obediently did so. Theirs was a relationship of love between a mother and her son. There is no greater love. It’s not that difficult to understand.

Catholics do not worship Mary, but we do come to her to intercede on our behalf because we know that she carries great weight with Her son. I’ve heard it said why not go to the source of all forgiveness, Christ himself. Let me ask you this, do you ever go to your minister when you are troubled or conflicted to seek his advise and ask that he pray with you? It’s really the same thing. Mary is loving as a mother. When Jesus was on the cross, He gave her to John. This was a symbolic act. He gave His mother to the world. She is our Heavenly Mother. Praise be.

Queen of heaven, rejoice.
Alleluia
The Son whom you bore has risen as He said.
Pray to Christ on our behalf o Heavenly Queen
Rejoice and be glad, o Mother of God
For the Lord has truly risen.
Alleluia

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Macaroni Grill Inspired Chicken Milano
8 oz Farfalle Pasta
1 large boneless Chicken Breast
8 oz Whit Mushrooms
1/2 Yellow Onion
2 Garlic Cloves
1/2 cup Sun Dried Tomatoes
1 tablespoon fresh Basil
1-1/2 cup Half-and-Half
1 tablespoon Butter
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
1 teaspoon Black Pepper

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta al dente according to package directions.

While the water comes to a boil and the pasta cooks, cut chicken into bite-size pieces. Clean and slice mushrooms. Cut onion in half from root to tip. Reserve half for another purpose. Peel and dice remaining half. Peel and mince garlic. Chop sun-dried tomatoes. Set aside until ready to use.

In a large skillet over medium high heat, warm oil. Add chicken to the skillet, cook for about 6 minutes, stirring often until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from pan, keep warm.

Return pan to heat. Add mushrooms, onions, garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Coon until onions are tender and the mushrooms have released their juices. Season with salt and pepper. Return chicken to the pan.

Measure half-and-half into a 2-cup measuring cup. Melt butter, add to the half-and-half. Add Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Snip basil, add to the mixture. Pour over the chicken mixture. Bring to a simmer, stirring to combine. Cook for 5 minutes until heated through.

Add cooked pasta, toss to coat. Serve with warm bread.

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My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, You will not spurn.