Today within the Church we honor the Feast Day of Simon and Jude, Apostles and martyrs in Christ. While the Bible’s focus is on Christ, as it should be, we are missing some key players in His holy ministry. There are glimpses sprinkled in scripture and early teachings, but no clean picture of who the Chosen were individually.
Long before God became incarnate and walked the earth as Christ, He called prophets and leaders to particular roles. Some were fit, others seemed a strange choice. Moses was not raised in a Jewish household. He stuttered. And yet he was chosen by God not only to lead the captives out of Egypt but to deliver God’s Commandments. We know more about the people of the Old Testament than we do those who first followed Christ, who sat at His feet and sacrificed everything for Him, including their own lives.
Sometimes I wonder, if we knew more about them then we might better understand our roles in God’s plan. Each and every one of us has been given both a talent and a task. I suppose shrouding the full picture of who His first Chosen were is a part of that plan to trust. If we knew exactly who Simon or Jude were we might imitate their footsteps, allowing who they were to influence our path. While the Chosen, and all the saints in heaven are examples, finding our ture purpose can only be achieved by listening to God. He whispers through the Holy Spirit. He whispers through our Guardian Angels. He whispers when we listen the Word. All we need do is listen and be willing. Sacrifice. Humility. Persecution. These are required of His faithful. There is no escape. It is why the road to hell is wide and the gates to heaven are narrow. All are called. Few will answer. My morning prayer is simply to ask for His guidance as I face a new day.
Heavenly Father,
I offer up this day to You
In Christ’s Name.
Strengthen me, O LORD
That I may come to know
And do Your will in all things
Through Christ, our Lord.
Amen
We are all His chosen. While the road may be difficult, in the end the rewards of salvation as we stand in His glorious presence are beyond our comprehension. Whatever the sacrifice, I am willing. Whatever the cost, I am willing. Each morning I ask but one thing, to be called by Him. Send me, O LORD, send me.
Today is also a glorious Tuesday. Now we can only have so many tacos, right? Well, not really. There is no such thing as too many tacos. But we need more than tacos to satisfy our hunger. We need something sweet every now and again. And chocolate. God gave us chocolate. Be sure to say thank you. Enjoy!
Mexican Spice Brownie Sundaes
Spice Brownies
1-1/2 cups Butter
3 cups Sugar
6 large Eggs
1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
1-1/4 cups Cocoa Powder
1-1/2 cups Flour
1-3/4 teaspoons Canella (Mexican Cinnamon)
12 teaspoon Pequin Chilies or Cayenne Pepper
3/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt
3/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12-inch by 15-inch baking pan with parchment paper, with about 3 inches of paper overhanging 2 sides to use as handles. Set aside. Gather all your ingredients.
Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, and zap on Medium Power until the butter is only half melted, about 1 minute. Remove from microwave and mash the butter with sugar until well combined. Stir in eggs one at a time, incorporating each egg before adding the next. Mix in vanilla extract.
Sift the cocoa, flour, cinnamon, hot pepper, salt, and baking powder into a bowl. Sprinkle in any salt caught in the sifter.
Mix the flour mixture into the butter mixture, stirring to blend well, and pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
Bake in the heated oven until a tester inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, about 20 minutes or so. Let brownie cool in the pan, then use parchment paper handles to remove the brownies for slicing.
Sundaes
1 pint Vanilla Bean or Coffee Ice Cream
1 cup Chocolate Syrup
Place sliced brownie squares on individual desert plates. Top each brownie with a large scoop of ice cream. Drizzle with chocolate syrup.
Optional Finishing Touches
Whipped Cream
Chopped Nuts
Maraschino Cherries
Top ice cream with whipped cream, nuts and or a cherry on top.
Enjoy!
Not a word nor a discourse
whose voice is not heard;
Through all the earth their voice resounds,
and to the ends of the world, their message.
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