Honoring the Immaculate Conception

Wow, December is truly busy for us. I’m not just talking about the whole commercial aspect that we all feel pressured to submit to, but also the spiritual obligations and callings of the season. Here’s what I mean:

On Sunday, December 1 the Advent Season begins. This is observed at Mass as well as in our home from now until Christmas Eve. The three days after the 1st Sunday of Advent we attended a lecture series at the Church learning the true meaning of Advent and how that relates to the Holy Eucharist. Then on Thursday of last week, we attended our second Called and Sent Ministry. This is only for those who feel the calling to be sent out to evangelize is a particular way.

Woven in there is the Great Ham Race sponsored by our parish. Those who can are asked to donate a 5-pound canned ham that will be given out just ahead of Christmas. There is a detailed list of other foods needed so that volunteers can then box up a nice Christmas Dinner for those who might otherwise go without. Each year Hubby, Kiddo and I put together three ham dinners with all the trimmings – from the pineapples on top to the dessert and green bean casserole. Some people give just the ham, others the side dishes. It’s all about sharing with others what you can, not how much you give. We have been especially blessed and feel the need to give abundantly in return. This year I even included a recipe card for my Green Bean Casserole.

And then there’s the Angel Tree. Each Christmas as a family we select three tags from the tree and give what we can to brighten a child’s Christmas. The children are invited to a party in the church hall, and actually get to pick for themselves from the many unwrapped gifts. In that sense those giving can still feel the wonder of Christmas and the love of community. I believe those who give receive far more than the gift given in return. Blessings have no price.

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As you know, yesterday was the Second Sunday of Advent, with all that it implies. Normally December 8 is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, but since yesterday was a special Sunday unto itself, today is now the Holy Day of Obligation to honor Mary’s conception. She was created by God the Father to bring God the Son into the world. When in doubt as to how to be a woman as God intended, look no further than Mary. She will guide you to her Son.

The color blue is often associated with Mary. The theory as to why is so moving. As the Israelites wandered in the desert, they received instructions from God as to the curtains of the Tabernacle, the cloth over the Ark of the Covenant and even the tassels on the corners of their garments. All these contained the color blue. In essence, blue served as a visual cue to holiness, obedience, and acceptant of God’s commandments. Mary is the new Covenant. It makes sense that she is often depicted clocked in blue. It is also why I love to serve Blueberry Muffins to honor Mary, our Heavenly advocate.

Sour Cream Blueberry Streusel Muffins II
Blueberry Muffins
4 tablespoons unsalted Butter
2 cups Flour
1 tablespoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 Egg
1 cup Sugar
1-1/4 cups Sour Cream
1-1/2 cups frozen Blueberries

Heat the oven to 350-degrees. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper lines and set aside.

Dice butter, melt in the microwave on 50% power in 20 second intervals until fully melted without over-heating. Let butter cool slightly.

Whisk flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl until well combined. Set dry ingredients aside.

In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk egg until light in color, about 20 seconds. Add sugar to the egg, whisk vigorously until thick, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the melted butter in 3 additions, whisking to combine completely after each addition. Add sour cream in 2 additions to the egg mixture, whisking just to combine.

To the dry ingredients, gently toss in the blueberries. Add the wet ingredients, fold with a rubber spatula until the batter comes together and the berries are evenly distributed, about 30 seconds. It’s fine if small spots of flour remain and the batter is very thick. DO NOT over mix.

Spray a cookie scoop with cooing spray. Scoop batter evening among the muffin cups. Set aside to make the topping.

Streusel Topping
3/4 cup Sugar
3/4 cup Flour
1 tablespoon Water
1-1/2 teaspoons Cinnamon
4 tablespoons Butter, softened

Note: This Streusel Topping is great for Blueberry Loaf or any kind of coffee cake.

Blend sugar and flour together. Sprinkle with water. Add cinnamon. Cut soft butter into the mixture to create nice crumbs. Scatter topping over the muffins.

Note: If desired, top streusel with a plump blueberry for a crowning touch.

Place muffins in the heated oven. Bake muffins until light golden brown, and a cake tester comes out clean, about 25 minutes, rotating pan midway through the baking time.

Immediately remove muffins to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes. Serve immediately warm or at room temperature.

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Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;
blessed are you among women.