Today we celebrate the feast day of two of Christ’s Chosen apostles. Why are these two men remembered together? The obvious answer would be that they were both Apostles. If that were the case, why not have a feast day for all twelve and be done with it?
As it turns out Philip and James the Less (or the Younger or the Just as he was sometimes known) are remembered together because they rest together at the Basilica of the Holy Apostles. Their relics were brought to Rome together. Since then, the two have been celebrated with the same feast day, showing the unity of the apostles in their mission.
Neither wrote Gospels. Neither are mentioned with much frequency in the Gospel accounts and yet it did not matter. These were faithful servants of the Lord to the very end. Following Christ will not get you fame nor fortune. If that is why you believe, in the promise of an abundant life here and now that we so often hear from the Feel-Good preachers of today, you will be sadly disappointed. The only ones making it rich are those selling the snake oil disguised as the “word” of truth. Their reward has been paid in full in this life. For all of eternity, they will receive nothing more. Christ gave this as a warning. Some heed His message as they patiently wait and serve Him, others are like children insisting on immediate gratification. We are blessed with the Apostles and the Saints that followed to show us what it truly means to be a servant of God.
God truly does work in mysterious ways. When I first planned to make these California Turkey Wraps to share today, I hadn’t realized it was also the Feast Day of two of his Chosen. It seems fitting that California Wraps are made today. When I think of California, often I think about the California Missions. Twenty-one missions were built between 1769 and 1823. The first was San Diego, and the last was San Francisco Solano in Sonoma. While primitive in comparison to the magnificent cathedrals of Europe, these missions hold a sense of a Holy Presence visitors cannot help but feel.
A few years ago we were blessed to be able to attend Mass at the Santa Clara Mission and receive communion there. It was such a moving experience. The Church was completed in January 1777. To me the most striking feature, besides the breathtaking interior, is the Crucifix in a small nook. It brought tears to my eyes.
It is only fitting that on this Feast Day to honor two of Christ’s Chosen, we share a wrap reflective of California’s rich and beautiful Catholic history.
California Turkey Wraps
12 slices Bacon
1 large Beefsteak Tomato
1 ripe Avocado
10 Green Leaf Lettuce Leaves
1 cup Arugula
4 (12-inch) Jumbo Flour Tortillas
24 oz Oven-roasted Turkey Breast Slices
1/2 cup Ranch Dressing
In a skillet, fry bacon crisp. Drain on paper towels. While the bacon fries, cut tomato in half; then into thin wedges. Peel, pit and slice the avocado into thin wedges. Rinse lettuce and arugula; pat dry.
Warm the tortillas, lay out on a work surface. Fan lettuce leaves out on three-fourths of each tortilla. Top lettuce with over lapping turkey slices, then bacon, avocado, tomato and Arugula. Drizzle with dressing.
Fold up the bottom fourth of each tortilla, then roll each wrap into a cone-shape. Secure with toothpicks. Serve with chips and a refreshing cold drink such as Southern Sweet Tea or fresh lemonade. Enjoy!
Their message goes out through all the earth.
The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament proclaims His handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day;
And night to night imparts knowledge
Alleluia
Welcome to Rosemarie's Kitchen 
I’d rather be the younger than the less
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Less would refer to his height and not his value as a person. But I get what you mean.
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