Welcome to the First Friday

I guess it’s only natural on Fridays that my thoughts turn to faith. After all, as a Catholic I am keenly aware of the days of the week even now that I’m retired. I might not know a Monday from a Tuesday, but I sure know Fridays. Especially the first Friday of the month.

While not practiced as much as it once was, the first Friday and Saturday of each month were special. These days were set aside as devotions to Jesus and to His Blessed Mother, Mary. The first Friday is dedicated to the Sacret Heart of Jesus while the first Saturday is offered up to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Hearts are the source and center of all emotion. I love you with all my heart. I give my heart to you. It’s how we express feelings and emotions. Life flows from the heart. Once upon a time Catholics attended Mass every first Friday to receive Holy Communion as a part of our dedication to the loving heart of Jesus. Many Churches today have Holy Hour on the first Friday. The faithful are invited to spend an hour before the Eucharist in prayful communion with our Lord. Faith is a very powerful thing.

Many years ago, my father’s older brother had suffered a massive heart attack. The prognoses was not good. I flew home to be with my father during this difficult time. I’ve mentioned this before, my Dad wasn’t raised Catholic. He converted after studying the history of the Church. My grandfather was a jack of all trades, and even dabbled for a while as a preacher. His children were Christians with a deep sense of faith.

As my uncle lay in his hospital bed hooked up to all sorts of machines, his Pastor came to pray with my Aunt. I will never forget what this ungodly man said to her. He told this desperate woman as she grasped for some glimmer of hope that if she prayed hard enough, and had enough faith Jesus Himself would come down from heaven and her husband would live. It was all on her now, a test of her faith. Uncle Jess died later that night, and Aunt Virginia spend the remainder of her life blaming herself for doubting Jesus. She also began tithing large sums of money to that preacher hoping to find forgiveness. Prayer doesn’t work like that. Does God answer prayers? Yes. And sometimes His answer is no or not now. He has a reason, a plan that we don’t always understand. It’s hard when the loss is so immensely personal. It tests our faith. Having lost so many people who were (are) close to me, I know that Mary will comfort us as only a grieving mother can. And that Christ will strengthen us. Even in the depth of sorrow, we are not alone.

Give thanks today and every day. For God is good. Amen.

Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry
Honey Garlic Sauce
4 Garlic Cloves
2 teaspoons fresh Ginger
1/4 cup Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
2 tablespoons Honey
1-1/2 teaspoons Cornstarch

Peel and mince garlic and ginger. (I put mine together in a small food processor to make quick work out of mincing)

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger and cornstarch. Set aside.

Shrimp Stir-Fry
1-1/2 medium Shrimp (16 count)
1 bunch Asparagus
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Salt to taste
White Pepper to taste
Sesame Seeds for garnish
Red Pepper Flakes for heat

Peel, devein shrimp. Remove tails and keep chilled until ready to cook. Trim asparagus, cut stalks into 1-inch pieces. Place in a microwave safe bowl with some water. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on high, just long enough to jump-start the tenderizing without actually cooking the asparagus. Set aside.

In a large skillet over medium high heat, drizzle olive oil and cook shrimp until it just starts to turn pink, about 3 minutes. Add asparagus and season with a bit of salt and pepper. Cook until tender, about 3 minutes or so longer.

Toss in your sauce and continue to cook until the sauce has thickened and shrimp and asparagus is coated, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve with sticky rice and enjoy!

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Whoever keeps the word of Christ,
the love of God is truly perfected in him.