Oh No – It’s Friday the 13th!

Today is Friday the 13th. In the Western world, this is a day which signifies bad luck or that bad things can happen. First of all, I’m not sure “luck” has anything to do with reality. We make choices, sometimes those decisions result in positive things in our lives, other times not so positive.

If a person decides to walk on a lake that is frozen over in the dead of winter, and nothing bad happens, is that good luck? The same person walks out on the same lake in the spring thaw and falls in – is that bad luck or stupidity?

Some Christians associate the number 13 with bad luck, and Friday (as in Good Friday – the day Christ was crucified) as somehow an evil day. It is said that there were 13 individuals present in the Upper Room for the Last Supper, the night before His death. Let’s get real – if Christ had not laid down His life for us, there would be no forgiveness of sin. He didn’t die because there were 13 people at Passover. He died for us, willingly. Another Christian example of bad luck is that King Philip IV of France ordered that the Knights Templar be arrested on October 13, 1307. It is said that October 13th happened to be a Friday, leading many to believe it was – again – bad luck. I personally think the Knights Templar were arrested because they made the King, a powerful man, angry.

Finally there are those who will site numerology as proof. All I can say is that numbers make my head spin. So I guess that’s my bad fortune. Believe what you want. All I know is that today is the 13th day of the month and it happens to be a Friday. It’s also happens to be National Italian Food Day. Since Spring hasn’t yet arrived with its warmer days, celebrating this day with an inviting bowl of soup seems fitting. I consider this soup my good fortune, having made all the right decision and received appreciation from those who matter most to me. May the Peace of the Lord be with you on this wonderful day.

Creamy Cheese Tortellini Soup
1 (20 oz) package Cheese Tortellini
1 (16 oz) can Diced Tomatoes
1 (16 oz) can Tomato Sauce
1 tablespoon Minced Roasted Garlic
Italian Seasoning to taste
1 cup Heavy Cream
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
1 loaf Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
Butter as needed

Place diced tomatoes and tomato sauce into a large stockpot with a tight-fitting lid. Add Cheese Tortellini, minced garlic and Italian Seasoning. Bring just to a boil, then lower to a simmer.

Let simmer for 20 minutes, until everything is warmed through. Add heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer until cooked through.

When ready to serve, warm the bread. Ladle the soup, serve with bread and sweet creamy butter.

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Open our hearts, O Lord,
to listen to the words of Your Son.