The Lord Chose a Good Man

Many of the people we’ve come to know and love through theatrical productions of scripture are really shrouded in mystery. We know more about the men of the Old Testament than we do those of the new, with the noted exception of Jesus.

Perhaps remaining in the background was God’s plan all along, and that is the reason more isn’t found in scripture about them. After all our faith is all about the redemption of mankind through the sacrifice Christ made on the cross. We are left to ponder rather than know about Mary and Joseph apart from Jesus or the early lives of those first Chosen followers. The the focus of scripture is not on the back stories of His Chosen but on God incarnate fulfilling all the promises of old.

I can tell you what many Catholics believe. These beliefs come from what we call Oral History – stories handed down through the centuries, and that many of the faithful hold to be just as true as the sacred writings of the Acts of the Apostles.

Catholics believe that both Mary and Joseph, although not blood relatives, are branches of the House of David. We know from scripture that Joseph was from the House of David. It stands to reason, if Christ was to come from this line, His mother needed to be of the House of David as well since Joseph was His earthly Foster Father. We know that Joseph was a part of Christ’s early development as a child. Joseph disappears from the narrative sometime after Jesus is 12-years of age. Many speculate this was an indication of an age difference between Mary and Joseph. It makes sense that God would have chosen an older man, someone grounded and strong in his faith to be ready to step into the role God asked of him. Not necessarily a man rich in means, but definitely rich in faith and dedication to the Lord. Joseph was an incredible man. God chose him not only to protect Mary, and to teach Jesus, but to be an example, even today, of what it means to be a good husband, a good father, a good person. Today Catholics worldwide celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary.

Perhaps instead of holding up Football players, Rock Stars, Actors and other famous people on the world stage as role models for our sons simple because of fame and fortune, we need to look to men like Joseph. It’s not about the fame or fortune. It’s about placing a higher value on marriage, fatherhood, responsibility and community. It’s about making sacrifices if necessary. Teach our sons what it means to be a good man and our daughters to look for men of moral character. That is a two way street. She too much be raise with strong faith and convictions. Just food for thought.

Pork Tenderloin Mole
1 lb Pork Tenderloin
New Mexican Red Chili Powder to taste
1 (16 oz) jar Dona Maria Mole Sauce
3 cups Chicken Stock
8 medium Flour Tortillas
Cooking Spray as needed

Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Place a casserole dish on a baking sheet (to catch any spillage) and set aside. Cut the pork tenderloin into bite-size pices, set aside.

Empty mole concentrate a blender. Pour chicken stock into the blender with the mole. Blend until completely incorporated. Season with a little New Mexican Red Chili Powder.

Arrange the porik pieces in the casserole dish. Pour sauce over pork, coating well, cover tightly with foil. Bake in the heated oven for about an hour until the pork almost fork tender. Remove foil, continue to bake another 30 minutes for the sauce to thicken.

When ready to serve, heat a flat griddle. Spray tortillas with cooking spray, warm on griddle just until pliable.

Serve Pork Mole with tortillas, some rice and beans. Don’t forget the margaritas!

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The LORD spoke to Nathan and said:
Go, tell my servant David,
When your time comes and you rest with your ancestors,
I will raise up your heir after you,
Sprung from your loins,
And I will make His kingdom firm.
2 Samuel 7:4-5; 12