A Holy Turning Point

Of all the days in Holy Week, of all the events leading to our forgiveness, this is the most difficult day. More so in many ways that Good Friday. We see betrayal, and must find it in our hearts to forgive.

God’s forgiveness and our forgiveness are not the same thing. God forgives us for us, not because He needs to forgive but because we need His forgiveness. We forgive for ourselves. If someone had done something that causes you pain, you can continue to feel that pain, that anger, that resentment or you can choose to forgive so that you can begin the process of healing. Sometimes it is easier to forgive if we are the one who has been hurt than it is to forgive someone who has hurt a person we car about. We see Judas as a very bad person, the one who betrayed Jesus, who sold his soul so to speak for thirty pieces of silver. And yet in Luke’s gospel Satan took possession of Judas before the betrayal.

Now the feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was drawing near. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking a way to put Him to death, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot who was counted among the Twelve, and he went to the chief priests and temple guards to discuss a plan for handing Him over to them.
Luke 22:1-5

While Matthew also tells of a meeting between Judas and the chief priests, there is no mention of Satan’s involvement. Whether you wish to blame Satan, greed, or a whole host of other possibilities, there is no mistaking that it was Judas who betrayed Jesus. The fact that he was paid was not unusual. Often witnesses were paid for their testimony.

I don’t know if I should feel sorry for Judas. Once he realized the gravity of the situation, he took his own life. One thing I do know is that we cannot blame Judas alone. We are all guilty in our own way. The betrayal was another part of God’s Holy plan.

---

While Holy Week should be spent in reflection, it is also a wonderful time to break bread with those we love. This delicious supper is the perfect way to get your family gathered round the dinner table. And in our house, no electronic devices are allowed in the dining room.

Chicken Ravioli Piccata
2 (10 oz) Rana Chicken and Roasted Garlic Ravioli
3 Garlic Cloves
1 Shallots
3 tablespoons Capers
6 tablespoons cold Butter
2 tablespoons Flour
1/3 cup White Wine
1-1/2 cups Chicken Stock, divided
2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
Pinch Red Pepper Flakes for garnish
1/4 cup Heavy Cream
Parsley Flakes for garnish

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently add the ravioli and cook for about 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

While the water comes to a boil and the ravioli cooks make the Piccata Sauce. Peel and finely mince garlic. Peel and finely mince the shallot. Drain capers, rinse and set aside.

In a large sauce pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. (Keep remaining 5 tablespoons of butter in the refrigerator until ready to use, one tablespoon at a time).

Once the butter has melted in the pan, swirl pan; add minced garlic and shallots. Continue to swirl the pan, letting garlic sauté until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle flour over the garlic mixture and allot to cook another 30 seconds.

Slowly add wine to the pan to deglaze, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Slowly drizzle half a cup of chicken stock into the pan, whisk to blend. Reduce heat to low, allow sauce to simmer and heat through. Add capers, lemon juice, Dijon Mustard and a pinch of Red Pepper Flakes. The sauce should be thick at this point. Whisk in remaining chicken stock slowly to thin sauce. Taste and adjust flavors as desired.

Pull pan from heat, whisk in remaining butter one tablespoon at a time, letting butter melt into the sauce completely before adding the next tablespoon. Add heavy cream. Whisk until smooth.

Transfer pasta to a warm serving bowl. Pour Piccata sauce over the pasta, stir to coat ravaoli well. Garnish pasta with parsley flakes for a splash of color.

Beautiful with warm bread, a nice salad and a crisp well-chilled bottle of white wine.

---

Lord, in Your great love, answer me.