In the days immediately following Easter Sunday, the daily readings of the Mass center around miracles that happened after Christ’s resurrection. (As though conquering death wasn’t enough!) On weekday Masses there are only two readings assigned – the 1st Reading and the Gospel.
Our first reading today comes from Acts. It is the story of a beggar who once sat outside the Beautiful Gate of the temple and begged from those who went inside. He was a cripple. His family carried him each day to the gates of the temple and left him there to beg.
On this particular day, Peter and John were going up to the temple area for the three o’clock prayer. When the beggar saw them, he asked for alms. Peter looked intently at the man. Neither he nor John had coins to give. But they did have their faith in Jesus. And so it was that in Christ’s name, Peter helped the beggar to his feet. The moment he did so, the man was healed. Faith can move mountains. When we put our lives in His hands, he can heal us. In many ways, we are all broken. Yet through faith, we can be restored. No, reborn into something greater for His glory.
Oh how I wish it were possible for Christ to wave some magic wand and all of the sad, broken, separated people of the earth (including me) could be transformed into His image – whole and strong and singing His praises. This journey is not an easy one. There are no shortcuts. When faced with difficulties, or despair, or shrouded in darkness, we need to learn to look to Him – the constant light guiding us home again. That is not easy. I give thanks every day for His patience as I continue to make a mess of my life, my relationships with others, my relationship with Him. Facing truths, admitting our shortcomings, is never easy. But when we do, there is growth, there is healing. Amen.
It was just a week ago today that Judas betrayed Jesus with a simple kiss. Yet we seem so very far from that moment. Today’s supper is a reminder of the price of redemption. Forever let us not forget He is our Lord and God.
Ravioli Sausage in a Tomato Sauce
1 (16 oz) package Sausage Ravioli
1 (24 oz) jar Red Pasta Sauce
1/4 cup Red Wine
1 (16 oz) can Diced Tomatoes
Italian Seasoning Blend to taste
Italian cheese for garnish
Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
While water comes to a boil, empty pasta sauce into a sauce pan. Pour wine into the empty pasta jar, swirl around to get the last bit of sauce, add to the pan along with the diced tomatoes. Season to taste with Italian seasonings, bring to a low boil. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Cook Ravioli in boiling water for about 5 minutes or according to package directions. Drain well.
Ladle sauce in the center of a serving plate or individual bowls. Place Ravioli over sauce, top with more sauce. Garnish with Italian cheese, if desired, and serve.
Serve with a simple salad and perhaps a glass or two of red wine.
Give thanks to the LORD, invoke His name;
make known among the nations His deeds.
Sing to Him, sing His praise,
proclaim all His wondrous deeds.
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