Saint Paul of the Cross

While recent events have spawned a revival of sorts among the faithful, I’m not totally convinced that it will last. I pray that it does. There seems to be a strong movement to return to our faith, I just don’t know how many have actually undergone a true conversion.

It would be so nice to have someone with the convictions, moral compass and charismatic presence of Saint Paul of the Cross to rise up and not get shot. Someone like Saint Paul of the Cross who was so passionate that when he preached, it is said hardened soldiers and criminals were moved to tears. In addition to three forms of poverty taught by the Church, Saint Paul of the Cross encouraged two more – chastity and obedience. Anyone familiar with a calling to poverty knows how difficult the original three forms can be. The first is to denounce all attachment to worldly wealth, money and material goods, the second is to accept persecution because of faith, and the third is the poverty of loneliness for righteousness. Add chastity and obedience to the mix and that might just be more than most of us could endure. Although obedience is really a gimmie – true Christians are obedient unto the Lord above all else. I’m not talking about the stick up their butts judgmental holier than though pretend Christians. I’m talking about the followers of Christ who would give of their needs to help others, who do not cross the street to avoid a beggar, who know how to place kindness and compassion above all else. Just think what this world would be like if each of us put the well being others above ourselves. It would be heaven on earth.

Just a little something to think about on this Memorial Feast of Saint Paul of the Cross. The more we give, the more we are blessed. Perhaps not in material comforts, but in treasures stored up in heaven above.

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Bisnona’s Meatballs and Penne Pasta
1 medium Yellow Onion
3 Garlic Cloves
2 teaspoons Olive Oil
3/4 cup Breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon dried Basil
1 teaspoon crushed Oregano
1 teaspoon Parsley Flakes
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 lb Mild Italian Sausage
1 lb Ground Beef
1 (24 oz) jar Red Pasta Sauce
1/4 cup Red Wine
1 (14 oz) can Diced Tomatoes
16 oz Penne Pasta

Heat oven to 375-degrees. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil then spray with cooking spray, set aside.

Peel and finely onion. Peel and finely mince the garlic. In a small skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, about 4 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Cool slightly. Lightly beat the eggs. Set aside.

In a large bowl combine breadcrumbs and seasonings. Add eggs and onion mixture along with both ground meats. By hand mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2 inch balls.

Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake until lightly browned and cooked through, about 18 minutes or so turning mid-way through

While the meatballs are baking, pour the pasta sauce into a deep pan. Add wine to the empty sauce jar, swirl and pour into the sauce. Add diced tomatoes, warm gently. Once the meatballs are ready, place in the warmed sauce and let simmer until ready to serve.

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente, about 11 minutes. Drain pasta, place in a large bowl.

Pour Meatballs with sauce over the pasta, toss to combine and coat. Serve with a simple salad, perhaps some warm bread and a bottle of wine.

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He has come to His people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior,
born of the house of His servant David.