Oh what a beautiful Saturday! It also happens to be the last of three Ember Days of Pentecost. Once upon a time the faithful spent Ember Days fasting and in prayer. In a round about way, that brings me to what’s been on my mind lately.
I know this year’s Easter post was not exactly in the spirit of the season – in many ways it was a tempered rant. In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m a person of strong convictions and traditions. Often that makes me seem superficial and quick to judge. It’s not that I’m judging others. My relationship with God is so filled with abundant joy, and a deep sense of peace, I wish the world to experience it. Or at the very least, my family. It bothers me that Hubby and I the only ones left in our immediate families who place importance on attending Sunday Mass. While I don’t understand the C-n-Ers (those who fill the pews on Christmas and Easter), I am glad to see them. With a little prayer on our part, just maybe attending Mass might stick. One can hope.
For me, attending Mass is more than just showing up and going through the motions. I’ve ranted more than once about wearing our Sunday Best. Sunday Best doesn’t need to be a suite from Neman Marcus. There are plenty of inexpensive department stores such as Wal-Mart that do carry slacks, dress shirts, and even an occasional suit coat. The same goes for ladies Easter Dresses, although finding Holiday Dresses that are both seasonal and modest while remaining inexpensive is becoming a growing challenge. There are a number of Christian-Catholic online clothing stores that specialize in modest church attire. These come with a hefty price tag that not everyone can afford. That said, you would be amazed as to what you can find in a consignment or second-hand store.
To dress modestly and appropriately for Sunday service isn’t a matter of impressing those seated around you. It is a sign of respect. But it’s more than that. On Sunday mornings I get up early and get dressed. The last thing I do before walking out of our bedroom is to cover my head with a veil. It is this simple act that impacts my approach to worship. Attending church isn’t a social event. We are there to worship the Lord. In preparation, I read scripture in the form of a one-minute meditation on the Word. As a Catholic, I also pray the Rosary before the start of Mass. Worship is a frame of mind that is reflected in both our inner and exterior self.
While all of this may sound judgmental, it’s not me judging others. When we dress appropriately, it is done with thought and deliberation. It is an acknowledgement that we are about to enter the House of the Lord, and humbly stand before Him, singing His praises, giving Him thanks.
What is Sunday Best? Clothes that are clean, modest, and special in that we wouldn’t wear them to the beach or on a picnic. Like it or not, how we dress does have an impact on how we feel and carry ourselves. While everyone is welcome in a Church, wouldn’t it be nice if we could put as much thought into standing before God as He put in us when He died for our sins.
Pork Medallions with Rosemary-Tarragon Sauce
Pork Medallions
1 lb Pork Tenderloin
1 tablespoon Butter
Cut pork tenderloin into medallions about 3/4-inch thick. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté medallions in butter over medium-high heat about 6 minutes or so per side, turning once, until brown and center is warm. Remove medallions to warm platter, tent and keep warm.
Rosemary-Tarragon Sauce
1 Garlic Clove
1/2 teaspoon Rosemary
2 tablespoon Butter
1/2 teaspoon Cocoa
Pinch Salt
1/4 teaspoon dried Tarragon Leaves
1/4 cup White Wine
Peel and mince garlic. Strip rosemary from sprigs, mince.
To the now empty skillet add 1 tablespoon butter, cocoa, salt, garlic, rosemary and Tarragon leaves. Heat until butter begins to bubble. Stir in wine. Heat to boil, stirring constantly. Cook for 1 minute. Off heat, whisk in the remaining tablespoon of butter.
Return medallions to skillet, reduce to low and simmer 8-10 minutes or until meat is heated through.
Transfer to the warm platter. Spoon rosemary sauce over medallions and serve.
Jasmine Vegetable Rice Pilaf
1 small White Onion
1 cup frozen Peas and Carrots
2 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Minced Garlic from a jar
1 cup Jasmine Rice
1-1/2 cup Chicken Stock
Peel and finely dice onion, set aside. Place peas and carrots in a strainer. Rinse with cold water to gently thaw, drain and set aside.
Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat, add onions salt and pepper, cook 4 minutes, until tender, add garlic and cook another minute.
Add rice, stirring often, cook 3 minutes. Stir in peas and carrot mix. Add chicken broth, bring to boil, reduce heat to medium low, cover, simmer for about 20 minutes or until liquid has adsorbed and the rice is tender.
Uncover, fluff with a fork.
Pan Seared Asparagus
1 lb Green Asparagus
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 tablespoon Butter
Lemon Pepper to taste
Rinse the asparagus and trim off the ends, leaving spears about 8 inches long.
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil and butter to sizzling. Turn down the heat to medium and add the asparagus.
Using a broad spatula, turn the spears over from time to time until they are browned more or less evenly, about 10-15 minutes depending on the thickness of the asparagus. The spears will remain mainly green, with patches of crispy brown. Check for doneness by tasting a spear. It should be tender but slightly al dente.
Sprinkle the asparagus with lemon pepper just before serving.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly;
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Welcome to Rosemarie's Kitchen 