The Beautiful Heart of Mary

Today, following the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we celebrate the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. While both of these feasts involve the heart, they are not the same.

Some things are purely Catholic in that you won’t find them in other Christian denominations. The world knows Lent, and faiths other than Catholic have their Lenten traditions. More and more Protestant churches are administering ashes on Ash Wednesday. Palm Sunday is recognized throughout the Christian community.

Devotions to Mary are not found outside the Catholic faith. Such devotions are particularly common within the Roman and Traditional (Latin) Catholic faithful. Eastern Catholic Churches occasionally utilize images of Mary, but not the depth of devotion found within the Roman Rite. There is so much confusion surrounding our dedication and devotion to Mary. To me it’s so simple. She was and continues to be the mother of God. When the Lord put into motion His divine plan for the reconciliation of mankind to Him, He did not come down from heaven and waive a magic wand. No, He came to us through a woman. That same avenue is open to us, to go to Mary and ask her to plead our case to her son, Jesus Christ. We know through scripture that she carries much weight with him.

“Woman, it is not yet my time.” It seems to me Jesus was not in favor of solving the problem of a wine shortage at the wedding in Cana. Yet Mary did not argue with Him. No, she merely told the servants “Do as he tells you.” That was it. And her Son obliged His mother.

Today we celebrate the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This memorial is celebrated each year immediately following the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The two should not be confused. The Sacred Heart of Jesus recognizes His divine heart that is overflowing with His love for all of humanity. The Immaculate Heart of Mary recognizes her pure heart, filled with love for Jesus and for God. Catholic teaching states that Mary’s role as mother of humanity and veneration paid to her in this capacity in no way obscures or diminishes the unique meditation of Christ, but rather shows its immense power. Another difference between the two devotions in the devotion itself. The Sacred Heart of Jesus requires us to respond to His unconditional love by returning to Him the same unconditional love. A devotion to Mary’s heart is a study in how to love unconditionally. Even in scripture, we are directed to Mary’s heart. Twice in the Gospel of Luke, we are told that Mary kept all things in her heart to ponder over them. Simeon prophecies that her heart would be pierced with a sword.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary signifies the great purity and love she had for God. Our Lady of Fatima, in the second apparition, told Lucia “Jesus wants to use you to make me known and loved. He wants to establish devotion to my Immaculate Heart in the world.” The Immaculate Heart of Mary is an important devotion as it leads many lost souls to God through Mary. She never ceases to point to her Son for our salvation.

As a woman, I feel blessed by God. He looks upon all women as priceless. I do not feel oppressed by my faith, but rather celebrated and elevated. Men and woman are special in the eyes of the Lord in their own right. Praise be to God, for He is much smarter than we will ever be in such matters.

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Seared New York Steaks Kissed with Flavorful Butter
The Steaks
3 (16 oz) Bone in New York Steaks
Kosher Salt to taste
Fresh Black Pepper to taste

Season steaks generously with sand and pepper on both sides. Gently massage seasoning into the meat. Set the counter of the counter four about 45 minutes to reach room temperature with a more-even internal temperature for even grilling.

Heat a cast iron griddle to medium heat for three minutes over medium flames. (If you have a two-sided griddle, use the side with the raised grate for perfect grill marks). Lightly brush griddle with olive oil to prevent steaks from sticking. Add steaks and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip steaks with tongs or spatula (never pierce the meat with a fork) and cook for another 3 or 4 minutes. Remove from heat; let rest for about 4 minutes. While the steaks are resting, make the butter.

Flavorful Sun-Dried Tomato Butter
2 Garlic Cloves
1-1/2 tablespoons Rosemary
1-1/2 tablespoons Sun-dried Tomatoes
3 tablespoons Butter
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste

Peel and mince garlic. Strip rosemary needles from stems, mince. Roughly chopped the sun-dried tomatoes. Set aside.

In a small sauce pan centime the butter, olive oil, garlic,, rosemary and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for about 4 minutes until the garlic has softened and the mixture if fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Drizzle butter over the steaks just before serving. These steaks are perfect served alongside Seasoned Steak Fries and a Classic Steakhouse Salad. Serve with your favorite bottle of wine.

Steak Fries
12 oz Steak Fries
Cooking Spray
Salt to taste

Heat oven to 450-degrees. Arrange frozen Steak Fries on a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet. This will allow air to circulate around the fries.

Spray with cooking spray. Season with salt. Bake in the heated oven for about 24 minutes or until cooked to a light golden color. Shut oven off without removing fries. Let continue to bake another 2 minutes. Serve and enjoy.

Iceberg Salad
2 Green Onions
1 small Cucumber
4 White Mushrooms
1 bag Iceberg Mixed Green Salad
1 cup Grape Tomatoes
Butter Croutons as desired
Shredded Cheddar Cheese, as desired

Trim green onions, slice; separating green tops from the onion bulbs, set aside. Peel and slice cucumber. Clean mushrooms, slice and set aside.

Toss the mixed greens with the white parts of the green onions in a large salad bowl. Tuck cucumber slices around the outer edge. Sprinkle salad with mushrooms and tomatoes. Chill until ready to serve.

Serve salad on chilled salad places, sprinkle with tops of the green onion just before serving.

If desired, serve with croutons and shredded cheese. Have dressing in a bowl or boat on the side to use as desired.

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Blessed is the Virgin Mary who kept the word of God
and pondered it in her heart.