The Beauty of a Pure Heart

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Sometimes we see an elderly couple out somewhere, and there is something about the way the old man is looking at his wrinkled wife that tells us to him she is the most beautiful women in the room.

What makes her beautiful? Love. His love for her. Her love for him. He sees the beauty within. When we look at pictures of Saint Teresa of Calcutta she was never what one might call an attractive women. Even as a young girl, there was nothing special about her. She wasn’t homely – she was average. Nothing about her stood out. And yet her beauty continues to shine even now from above. Hers was a heart so pure, so filled with love that people were naturally drawn to her.

We have fashion magazines and social media is inundated with people we should strive to imitate – be like, look like, talk like. As Catholics we have influencers, too. The saints. And I cannot think of a more beautiful saint to imitate than Saint Mother Teresa. Every child is born with that inner beauty, that inner light. Sadly, life has a way of extinguishing the light within. Sometimes we are the ones responsible – hiding our inner beauty in exchange for outward vanity. Money is important. Fame is important. In the end we can’t take any of that with us and yet so many seem to try. When will peole understand it’s the inner light we need to cultivate. We are created in the image of God. Not an outward apperance, but our souls, our spirits, our true selves. Today is the Feast Day of Saint Teresa of Calcutta. She knew what God had created in her, and she followed His lead so well.

I know I will never be a Saint Teresa. But God willings, perhaps I can be a beacon for just a single soul to find their way from the darkness. If so, then I have served a purpose and made a difference. My existance will matter.

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Today is the twenty-second Friday in Ordinary Times. It is also the first Friday of the month. What better time than this to gather with loved ones, give thanks to the Lord and share a meal together in rememberance of Him.

Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Peppers
1 Cajun Bell Pepper
1 Red Jalapeño Pepper
1 Shallot
1/2 tablespoon Coriander
1/2 tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Sweet Paprika
1 teaspoon Cumin
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
2 Sea Bass Fillets
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
2 tablespoons Butter, divided

Core, seed and dice the bell pepper. Stem and slice the Jalapeño. Peel and mince shallot, set vegetables aside.

In a bowl mix Coriander, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Cumin and Black Pepper. Set aspic mixture aside.

Pat fish dry with paper towels. Season with half of the seasoning mixture, set aside.

Heat olive oil in the skillet along with 1 tablespoon butter. Swirl the pan as the butter melts to incorporate the oils together. Add bell peppers, jalapeños and minced shallot to the skillet. Sauté until almost tender. Season with remaining half of the seasoning mix.

With a slotted spoon, remove vegetable mixture from the skillet. Add remaining tablespoon of butter, swirl the pan. Heat over medium-high heat for about a minute or so. Add bass to the skillet; let cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes. Carefully turn the fish over with a spatula, continue to cook for about 3 more minutes or until the fish is flakey.

Remove bass from the skillet, spoon vegetable medley on top and serve with hot.

Vegetable Rice Pilaf
3 tablespoons Butter
1/2 cup Orzo Pasta
2 Garlic Cloves
1 cup White Rice
2-1/2 cups Chicken Stock
1/2 cup frozen Peas and Carrots
Kosher Salt to taste
Fresh Black Pepper to taste

In a sauce pot over medium-low heat melt the butter. Once the butter is melted, stir in the Orzo and cook until the pasta beings to brown lightly.

Peel and press garlic directly over the pasta. Sauté until fragrant; about 30 seconds. Stir in the rice, chicken stock and mixed vegetables.

Increase heat to high; bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat just above a simmer (medium-low) cover and cook until the rice is tender and the liquid hs been absorbed; about 20 minutes.

Remove from heat; keep covered and let stand for 5 minutes. Uncover, fluff with a fork. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed with salt and pepper.

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Know that the LORD is God;
He made us, His we are;
His people, the flock He tends.
Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.