The Callings of Peter and Paul

Saints Peter and Paul are two of the most unlikely pair to share a feast day, and yet they do. Peter, the Rock on which Christ established His church. And Paul, born a Jew, but as a Roman Citizens, persecuted converts to the new Christian faith.

Both men were chosen by Christ. Peter was called to the Lord early on, even before His public ministry began. Paul was also called by the Lord, but in a miraculous way with an encounter of the Risen Lord on the road to Damascus.

Peter was the leader of the Apostles and instrumental in establishing the Church in Jerusalem. Paul was known as the Apostle to the Gentiles, spreading the teachings of Jesus beyond Jewish communities. Paul was charismatic and persuasive. Peter impulsive and quick to act. The only thing these two had in common was that both were martyred for their faith. Peter was crucified upside down. While crucifixion was the form of death given to non-Roman citizens by Rome, Peter insisted he be killed upside down, feeling unworthy to die as Christ had died. Paul on the other hand was given a quick execution, beheaded, since he was considered a citizen of Rome.

While Peter established the early Church and is recognized by Catholics to be the first dully elected Pope, appointed by the highest authority, Jesus Christ, he is only credited with writing two books of the Bible; Peter 1 and 2. Of the 27 Books that make up the New Testament, 10 of those were either written by Paul alone or in conjunction with other authors.

You would think despite their differences these men would have been friends united in their faith. They were not. While both men believed salvation through Christ was our only hope, they believed faith manifested itself differently. Paul believed that you needed to go out into the world and spread the Good News to everyone you met. Peter believed that to be faithful you needed to live a holy life, filled with good works and charity. Jesus knew both were necessary, especially if the Church were to be a living entity. He chose wisely, and we are all the better for it.

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Olive Garden Style Meaty Lasagna
9 Lasagna Noodles
1 Yellow Onion
4 Garlic Cloves
1/2 cup Parsley, divided
1 lb Hot Sausage
1 lb Ground Beef
1 (28 oz) can Crushed Tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can Crushed Tomatoes
2 (6 oz) cans Tomato Paste
2/3 cup Beef Stock
2 tablespoons Sugar
2 teaspoon dried Basil
3/4 teaspoon Fennel Seeds
3/4 teaspoon Salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon coarse Black Pepper
1 large Egg
1 (15 oz) container Ricotta Cheese
4 cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package directions; drain.

While the water comes to a boil and the pasta cooks, peel and dice the onion. Peel and finely mince garlic. Snip parsley and set aside.

In a Dutch oven, cook sausage, beef and onion over medium heat about 10 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, breaking up meat into crumbles. Add garlic; cook 1 minute. Drain well.

Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, sugar, 1/4 cup snipped parsley, basil, fennel, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In a mixing bowl lightly beat egg. Fold in the ricotta cheese, remaining 1/4 cup parsley and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Heat oven to 375-degrees.

Lightly spray a 13-inch by 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Layer with three noodles and a third of the ricotta mixture. Next add 2-1/2 cups of meat sauce, spread out evenly. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.

Repeat layers twice more of noodles, Ricotta, meat sauce, cheese. The last layering of cheese should be heavy, all the way to the top.

Spray a large piece of foil with cooking spray. Cover the lasagna with foil, sprayed side down. Bake, covered, 25 minutes. Bake, uncovered, 25 minutes longer or until bubbly. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

To truly serve “Olive Garden Style” include an endless supply of Garlic Breadsticks, Salad and plenty of wine.

Note: Once the lasagna was layered, I had some sauce left over. Perfect for the breadsticks.

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You are Peter and upon this rock, I will build my Church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.