I am the Handmaid of the Lord

The Feast of the Annunciation is such an important moment that it remains a Solemnity, and yet Catholics are no longer required to attend Mass on this day. I find that very strange and sad indeed.

How can it be both – ranked as a Solemnity, but not an obligation? The primary reason is because in most countries of the world today, people are secular in nature. Feast Days are not widely recognized as days of rest. I get that if we went around closing our businesses, schools, government offices and so forth every time the Church has a feast day, we’d be closed every day of the year. That would be a bit much. But to fulfill a Holy Day of obligation does not require the world to come to a halt. Ascension Thursday, on the 6th Thursday after Easter is a day of Obligation (although most celebrate this on Sunday); August 15 (Assumption of Mary); November 1 (All Saints) and December 8 (The Immaculate Conception) are fixed days of obligation. Is it really so much to ask that Catholics find a way, be it in the morning or evening to attend Mass on Solemnity Feast Day? What’s the point of declaring a feast day to be a Solemnity, and then let it fall by the wayside simply because the rest of the world isn’t on board or are inconvenienced? Call it a Memorial Feast and be done with it. That’s my rant.

While not considered a Holy Day of Obligation, The Feast of the Annunciation is a Solemnity Feast recalling when the Archangel Gabriel spoke to Mary, telling her of God’s plan.

Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call him Jesus.

All was explained to her, how this would come to be, and that her kinswoman, Elizabeth, thought to be barren, was now with child in her old age. Mary gave this matter great thought, and replied “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

What a joyous moment! She did not have to agree, but she did. And her yes forever changed the world. Amen.

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Now I bet you are wondering why, on such a monumental day as this, that I have chosen to share a simple supper instead of an amazing feast. The answer is simple. Today the events are far more important than anything I could place on our table. Today should be about contemplation, and wonder. What would your answer have been if you were Mary? How would you react in Joseph’s shoes? Their faith made it possible for them to surrender completely to the will of God.

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Slow Cooker Salisbury Meatballs over Mashed Potatoes
Salisbury Meatballs
8 oz Brown Mushrooms
1 Yellow Onion
4 Garlic Cloves
36 oz bag frozen Meatballs
1-1/2 cups Beef Stock
1 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
1 envelop Brown Gravy Mix
1 envelop Onion Soup Mix
Parsley for garnish

Clean, stem and slice the mushrooms. Peel and dice the onion. Peel and mince the garlic.

Place frozen meatballs in the insert of a slow cooker. Scatter the mushrooms, onion, and garlic on top. Add the stock and Worcestershire Sauce. Sprinkle both the gravy mix and onion soup mix as a final layer.

Cover with lid and cook on LOW for 4 hours, until the meatballs are fully heated through. Stir halfway through cooking time to ensure even heating and a blending off all the flavors.

Buttery Mashed Potatoes
6 Russet Potatoes
1/3 cup Whole Milk
4 tablespoons Butter
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste

Peel and cut potatoes. Rinse potatoes in a colander under cold water until water runs clear, about 1 minute; drain well.

Place in a large pot with enough water to cover potatoes by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and slow-boil until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.

Drain potatoes well. Into the empty pot, add the milk and butter. Heat gently. Return the potatoes to the pot. With a masher, mash well. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Spread mashed potatoes out on a large rimmed serving platter. Arrange the Salisbury Meatballs over Mashed Potatoes. Garnish with parsley, serve and enjoy. Delicious with a side of steamed green beans.

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Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.