Prepare a Path

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not
on your own understanding;
In all your ways submit to Him,
and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

The Amish physically set themselves apart from the Englisher. Their ways and the ways of the outside world are vastly different. I don’t have a problem with this. If anything, I admire such deep dedication. Jews have their communities, their customs, their rules. I could not imagine not eating lobster dripping in creamy butter, but for some Jewish Sects this is forbidden.

As a child one of the things I loved about being Catholic were the outward signs that separated Catholics from other religions. We wear a Crucifix, not a cross. This outward sign of identity continues today. In our Houses of Worship, there is an alter, a tabernacle, statues, holy water, and the Crucified Lord. You know moment you walk into a Catholic Church. Catholics place Crucifixes above the all the doors in our homes. Somewhere in the house or yards you will find at lease one statue. In our home we have a status of the Blessed Mother in the yard, another in the house with a basket filled with Rosaries at her feet. It is in our the entry way, greeting all who come into our home. These things set Catholics apart.

Today the observances of Ash Wednesday and the mark of ashes place on the foreheads of the faithful are no longer reserved for Catholics alone. Other Christian denomination now recognize the value of Ash Wednesday. It serves as a reminder that from dust we were made, and to dust we shall return one day. Death is inescapable. No matter how rich or poor, no matter the color of your skin, none of that matters. We are born with an expiration date. Ash Wednesday is a reminder of this fact, and an opportunity to make changes within ourselves that will impact the world we live in. Dying is unavoidable, none have a choice in the matter. Leaving this world a better place, making even the smallest of differences is a matter of choice.

Everything about the Lenten Season is dedicated to change. Turn away from selfishness, from anger, from resentment and pride. Turn instead to generosity, to compassion, to understanding and humility. Here I am Lord, I come to do Your will. Whatever You ask of me, I will do.

Humble Vegetable 6-Can Soup
1 (15 oz) can Black Beans
1 (15 oz) can Peas and Carrots
1 (15 oz) can Corn
1 (15 oz) can Cut Green Beans
1 (15 oz) can Diced Tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can Minestrone Soup
1 cup V-8 Vegetable Juice
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
Hot Sauce to taste
Naan Bread
Butter

Rinse and drain black beans. Drain Peas and Carrots, Corn and Green Beans. Empty vegetables into a stockpot. Add diced tomatoes with juices and Minestrone Soup. Stir in the V-8 Vegetable Soup. Add Black Beans, season to taste with salt, pepper and a dash of hot sauce. Bring soup to a simmer over medium heat.

Warm Naan Bread for serving. Ladle soup into bowls, serve with warm bread and butter.

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A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from Your presence,
and Your Holy Spirit take not from me.