Let Us Remember Our Lady of Carmel

Each year as I sit down to write an introduction to a particular Catholic Feast Day, I take a moment to review what I’ve said in the past. It’s a nice trip down memory lane filled with delicious memories.

There is only so much you can say about a particular Feast Day. Today we celebrate Our Lady of Carmel. The Carmelite Order is older than the church itself, with roots that predate Peter, the first Pope, chosen first by Christ to follow and then to lead. Long before God came down from heaven to walk among His people, those same people were looking for signs of His promised coming. They knew that a virgin would bring about the much needed reconciliation between the One True God and His beloved people. In reality, we can trace the devotions to Mary all the way back to the prophet Elijah and his followers on Mount Carmel who prayed unceasingly for the arrival of the virgin who was to become the mother of the Messiah.

One of the tangible gifts received from Mary through the visions of Saint Simon Stock is the Brown Scapular of the Carmelite order. It comes with a promise, all who die while cloaked in the Scapular shall be spared from the fires of hell. This in no way spares anyone from the cleansing of Purgatory but it does mean you won’t be going to hell for all eternity. Our particular state of grace upon our death determines how much time in Purgatory is necessary. (And for those who do not believe in Purgatory – it really doesn’t matter. Only those who die in a perfect state of grace can stand before God. Purgatory is that final rite of passage. God and Heven exist regrdless of what we believe. The same is true for Purgatory). When Catholics place the Brown Scapular around our necks, there is a change of attitude that takes place within the faithful. Mary gave her promise. We in turn feel the need to be worth of such a promise. And so we submit more easily to the will of God. Redemption is a collaboration that requires participation.

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Sweet-n-Spicy Chicken Bites over Rice
1 cup White Rice
1-1/4 cups Water
Salt to taste
3 tablespoons Taco Seasoning
1 lb boneless Chicken Breasts
1-1/2 tablespoons Spicy Olive Oil (Jalapeño or Habanero)
1 (11 oz) jar Spicy Chunky Style Salsa
1/2 cup Peach Preserves

Place rice, water and salt in a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Cover; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat, cook for 15 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated and the rice is tender. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Place taco seasoning in a large zip-lock bag. Cut chicken into bite-size cubes, add to the bag. Close, shake to coat chicken in the seasoning. (Dance around if you like, that’s always fun)

In a large skillet heat oil. Scatter seasoned chicken over the bottom of the skillet. Brown, turning as needed for even cooking. If necessary, brown chicken in batches.

Add salsa and peach preserves to the skillet. Bring to a boil; reduce heat cover and simmer for 3 minutes, until heated through.

Spread rice in a platter. Top with Chicken and serve.

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The way of the just is right, the path of the just is right to walk in
And in the way of Your judgments, O LORD,
We have patiently waited