Blessed Be The First of Two Feasts

December is overflowing with Heavenly Blessings. Advent is my favorite season of all, preparing our hearts for the coming of the Lord. And there are special feasts within the Season to inspire the hearts of man.

It’s interesting the things you don’t notice right away. I had not noticed until now that the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Feast of Saint Lucia are back to back. Both are important for different yet linked reasons. Faith. They both are a part of Catholic Faith.

Today is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I am moved and filled with such great hope each time we celebrate our Lady’s appearances and the messages she brings throughout the world.

When we think of Our Lady of Guadalupe, most of us think she has meaning for the Mexican community, but beyond that she holds no significance. While the events in early December 1531 did take place just outside Mexico City, the message of hope is for the whole of the world, but especially within the spiritual landscapes of the Americas. It is why many Catholic Parishes, including mine, display an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. While this feast day is not a day of obligation among the faithful, many do celebrate it together as a community.

The most profound proof that these events took place can be found at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, where the Tilma bearing the miraculous image of Our Lady is on display. This image has baffled scientists and experts for centuries. The fabric, made of coarse cactus fibers, should have deteriorated long ago, and yet it remains nearly intact today. Moreover; the image itself defies explanation. There are no brushstrokes present, and the colors are vibrant, not having faded over time. What more do we need to turn to our Blessed Mother in times of sorrow or doubt? She can, and will show the way to her Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Tomorrow, on the heals of this most special day, is the feast of Saint Lucia. It signals the coming of the Ember Days of the New Year, of winter and giving thanks to the Lord always and everywhere.

Be blessed in the knowledge that we, His adopted children, are no less loved by God the Father.

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Chipotle Tomato Rice and Colorful Spicy Chicken
Chipotle Tomato Rice
1-1/2 cups dry White Rice
2 cups Water
1 can Rotel Chipotle Tomatoes
Pinch Salt

Place rice in a sauce pan with a tight fitting lid. Add water, canned tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cover, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer until rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Colorful Spicy Chicken
2 teaspoons New Mexican Red Chili Powder
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
4 boneless Chicken Tenderloins
1 (15 oz) can Whole Black Beans
1 can Mexican Yellow Corn
1/2 Red Bell Pepper
1 Jalapeño Pepper
1 tablespoon Jalapeño Olive Oil
1/3 cup Chunky Salsa, medium or hot

Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix together chili powder, salt and black pepper. Sprinkle seasoning mix even over the chicken on both sides. Set chicken aside. Drain and rinse black beans, drain corn. Set aside. Stem, core and dice the bell pepper and Jalapeño pepper. Set aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm oil. Add seasoned chicken, cook 4 to 6 minutes per side, turning once. Cook until juices of the chicken run clear.

Stir in beans, corn, diced bell pepper, Jalapeño and salsa. Heat to a gently boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer about 5 minutes or until vegetable are hot.

Serve chicken directly from the skillet, topped with spicy vegetable mixture. Add warm tortillas to complete this simply yet delicious meal.

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And a great sign appeared in the heaven; a women clothed with the sun,
And the moon was under hr feet
And on her head was a crown of twelve stars
Revelation 12:1