Resurrected Food Originally Published April 2, 2008 By now you have already found all the Easter Eggs, indulged in every food you gave up for Lent, and are now preparing for spring!  First, I hope you all experienced the joy of Easter and will continue to celebrate this joy throughout the Easter Season - which lasts longer than just one day a year! My little cousin in search of more Easter Eggs! (circa 2011)   But how do we keep the Easter Season alive and well in our hearts?  One thing we can do is to be more attentive to the Scriptures, especially during the next set of Sunday Masses.  You’ll realize something very impressive that relates to our Grace Before Meals mission.  If you stay attentive, you’ll hear how Jesus, even after His Resurrection, is a BIG FOODIE!  In fact, he seeks “Resurrected Food!” Now, what could that possibly mean?  Well, I’m just making up a term that describes how food is given a whole new meaning (i.e., a new life) when we consider the purpose of the food. For example, this Sunday you’ll hear about how the disciples, on the Road to Emmaus, came to recognize the Lord in the breaking of the bread.   That line in the Gospel became such an important verse that people literally find Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration - the type of prayer where people meditate before the Blessed Sacrament exposed in a monstrance. This “Road to Emmaus” and the “Breaking of the Bread” are important concepts for many prayer groups – including priestly fraternity prayer groups.  I’m part of an Emmaus fraternity group, composed of a few priests in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.  As part of our spiritual exercises, we gather with several other priests to feed BODY, MIND, and SOUL! In other words, we gather about once a month to meditate on scripture passages in a type of prayer called Lexio Divina .  At other times, a smaller group of priests shares personal experiences, that is, we sometimes bare our souls to each other and speak from our hearts to encourage one another.   Finally, every meeting ends with a meal, of course! The Reason for the Season As priests, we need that Emmaus time to encounter God when we break open the Scriptures; when we break down the walls that keep the Truth from coming into our souls; when we break away from our busy schedules and break out the fancy plates (on occasion) and share a meal – with each other and with Our Lord. As a family, do you consider yourselves as walking along the road of Emmaus together?  In other words, when you gather around your table, do you talk about things that make your hearts burn with excitement and love?  In this Grace Before Meals movement, I’d like families to consider not just the food they put on the table, but what they talk about at the dinner table. For that reason, I’d like to highlight a fun feature on our website.  It’s basically a list of dinner questions and conversation starters. [Editor's Note 2013: This latest version of the website does not have this list of questions and conversation starters but weekly suggestions are made in the "Talking Together" section of the eBlasts]  If you already purchased the book, Recipes for Family Life, you’ll see a section called “Let’s Talk,” which simply covers some fun and interesting topics to engage good and wholesome conversations in your family.  I know that’s the hard part of family meals, but if we can break through that barrier, we will experience food in a whole new light.  Our tag line for this movement sums it up: Stronger Family. Better Food. That’s my hope and prayer for you and your family in this continuing Easter Season.  I pray that your food takes on a whole new meaning for your family, as it does for the priests in my Emmaus fraternity group. We must imitate the disciples who encountered Christ on that pilgrimage to the table – where He broke the bread and they recognized Him!  Discovering Jesus and Sharing Your Discovery!   Families sometimes forget they can also find Jesus at their dinner table if they “break bread together,” like the Emmaus disciples who recognized Jesus.   Family members can do that by doing what the disciples did.  They talked about Jesus, His life, His death, and the mystery of the Resurrection.  Go ahead and not only say Grace Before Meals, but feel free to ask your children some questions about their faith.  And don’t be afraid to share yours with them. Let us pray: Lord, help our families to find You at this dinner table so that we, like the disciples, can spread the Good News and inspire a burning faith in the hearts of all believers.  We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.    APRIL 6-7 ST. CALLISTUS CATHOLIC CHURCH YEAR OF FAITH PRESENTATIONS AND MASS GARDEN GROVE & ORANGE, CA CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.   APRIL 11 CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL GREAT FALLS, MT CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS. SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, COMMENT & SHARE! Ask Fr. Leo for fatherly advice. Any submissions may be used in future Grace Before Meals publications.

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Blast from “the Recent Past”

This week’s Blast takes a look at some of the Faithful Foodie highlights of 2012.  It’s a review of the past, which was truly “a blast!” Please know I’ve had so many wonderful experiences this year that when I look back at the calendar and pictures, I realize God has truly blessed this Grace Before Meals apostolate and movement.  While many consider this work a “ministry,” I want to tell people they don’t have to be priests or nuns to bring families back around the dinner table.  I consider this work an “apostolate,” because it strengthens family life, and improves culture – one meal at a time! To be part of it, all you have to do is be hungry for good food and loving relationships. Below for your enjoyment is a Top 10 Countdown for Grace Before Meals in 2012. I wish you all a happy New Year, with the hopes of an even more fruitful 2013! #10 Cooking with our Friends at the 700 Club with Gordon Roberts Yes, the Christian communities and the Catholic Church have something in common – a love for the Lord Jesus.  While there are certain doctrinal differences, we can at least celebrate a “common meal” (even if it’s not the  Sacrament of Holy Communion – the ultimate sign of spiritual communion with each other).  These opportunities to share recipe ideas with other Christian leaders is a great blessing to me!   #9 Maryland’s Black Ankle Winery and Cooking for Good Causes with Good People    It’s a powerful sign when our Grace Before Meals movement is invited to present at non-religious events, especially when you meet local legends like long time radio and TV personality Ron Riley and his wife.  The invitation to speak to different audiences shows us our message is truly “universal.”  After all, the word “catholic” means “universal.” #8 Grace Before Meals on the “Big Screen”    Talk about effective advertising!  There I am driving to an event in Delaware when I see a big picture of me advertising a health fair.  It was even funny and humbling to see such a big picture of my “mug.”  Thank God I didn’t swerve my car when I saw it! #7 Another “Blast from the Past”     At an event in Florida a mom showed me a picture of me baptizing her son 15 years ago! She came because she had seen an ad for the event and recognized me. I am always running into people who have some mutual friend, experience, or family tie.  These experiences at events across the country and around the world are very humbling opportunities to see just how big, and yet how closely knit the Catholic Church family is.   #6 Grace Before Meals is Deepening the Message of Family Meals by Focusing on Married Couples    I always knew our message of family meals would eventually take a closer look at where families begin – the love of a mom and dad.  My presentation for Spicing Up Married Life at an event sponsored by the Pro-Life Group for the Archdiocese of Baltimore brought an unexpectedly large crowd of couples.  (To order, CLICK HERE!) This turnout showed me our work truly responds to the parish communities’ need for better marriage preparation – not to mention more opportunities for couples to go on a date night!  One husband confessed he attended my event very unwillingly, but after tasting the prepared recipe and hearing the message, he really “ate it up!” #5 Celebrating with Friends and True “Spiritual Brothers” in the City of “Brotherly Love”     Along with my good friend Fr. Erik Pohlmeier from the Diocese of Little Rock Arkansas, I planned a dinner with our former spiritual director from Rome, Bishop Daniel Thomas, Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  At dinner we shared our many joys, as well as the normal struggles of trying to be a faithful priest in the modern world – a world sometimes hostile to the Christian message.  Honestly, while I know the food was great I can’t remember exactly what I prepared.  Nevertheless, the message and meaningful meal shared with brothers will never be lost in my heart, mind, or soul. #4 America’s Largest State and Tackling Enormous Food!     During a trip to Alaska I had many, many incredible food experiences.  One stop took me to the town of Talkeetna – a village really – that had great food finds.  Their burger was even featured in the popular show Man v. Food!  Tasty?  Yes.  Leftovers? Definitely! Alaska Trip Part 2 What To Eat   #3 Taking the Grace Before Meals Message Back “Home” to the Philippines    While on a family vacation in the Philippines at the beginning of 2012, I was asked to do hurricane relief support/promotional work with the metro Manila Philippines BergHoff cooking store. (BergHoff is actually a German based company with locations around the world.) There I had the chance to meet and cook with two recent graduates from the culinary school. They prepared an appetizer, while I cooked the famous fusion steak fajitas for a group of reporters and representatives who came to support the disaster relief efforts for the recent hurricane. #2 Filming the Series Savoring our Faith in Rome, Italy     We filmed four Savoring our Faith episodes in foodie hotspots in and around Rome, including Scarpone’s Restaurant – not only famous for its food but for cooking for Cardinal Ratzinger before he became Pope Benedict!  We also cooked with internationally known guests and revealed some “secret” recipes, including the famous Scrigno Pasta from Ristorante Cecelia Metella outside of Rome.  You can catch Savoring our Faith every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. EST on EWTN. #1 Celebrating with My Family for My Parents’ 50th Wedding Anniversary & The Epic Cooking Battle Between My Nieces and Nephews   Mom and Dad were totally in their element, dancing and even singing songs for the 300 plus guests who came to their 50th wedding anniversary extravaganza!  Baltimore Sheraton Hotel Chef, and former high school classmate, Sam Anderson prepared a great feast! But the greatest part of the evening was just watching my mom and dad enjoy the company of family and friends as they celebrated 50 years of committed love.  It was because of them I was inspired to write our newest book, Spicing Up Married Life.   And how can I forget when my nieces and nephews went spoon to spoon in our family’s second annual cooking battle.  The girls won last year’s battle, but the boys took home the prize this year. It was a nail-biter! A victory by one point in the creativity category! Cooking Competition 2012   I hope you enjoyed the review of 2012′s favorite faithful foodie experiences. To help couples and families experience more inspired meals in 2013, be sure to pick up your copy of the books SUML and GBM! Next week, we’ll be doing a rundown of my top 10 favorite restaurants and recipes!  So, stay tuned for another “Blast from the Recent Past,” full of tasty memories!

SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, COMMENT & SHARE! Ask Fr. Leo for fatherly advice. Any submissions may be used in future Grace Before Meals publications.

Posted in Blast from the Past, Dinner Discussion, New Year | 1 Comment »

On occasion, our Grace Before Meals movement will send out some “Blasts from the Past,” not only because the messages are still relevant today, but it also helps us remember how far we’ve come! 

A Special September to Remember

This week, I wanted to call to mind today’s Feast of The Beheading of John the Baptist by remembering the anguish I felt when leaving my family to go to the seminary out in Rome over 18 years ago. As you will read, it was one of the worst days of my life, but it has led me to so much more than I could ever have imagined as a priest, with the opportunity to meet and help families, couples and individuals from around the world. I thank God for his mercy on me and the lessons I’ve been able to learn and share.

Which brings us to exciting news about Spicing Up Married Life, my newest book for couples, whether dating, newly-wed or celebrating their golden anniversary. For those of you who have not heard (I know, I know. I’ve been talking about this for a few years now), we have submitted the final layout to the printer and we are gearing up for a September 22 release, my parents’ 50th Wedding Anniversary!

(Spicing Up Married Life: Releasing on www.Gracebeforemeals.com on September 22, 2012.)

To promote its release, some may have heard me mention on a radio interview that we would like to offer a 10% discount to all those who register on our site for the newsletter and blasts.We are very excited to share this message and delicious recipes for all couples, whether young or old, especially in today’s world in which the sacrament of marriage is under attack. So stay tuned to upcoming blasts that will offer more news on the book’s release and a new look for September! May God bless our endeavors.

Losing your head or your soul?

Originally Published August 29, 2007

It was a terrible day, perhaps one of the most difficult days I had as a young man. The date was August 29, 1994. I felt as if my comfort zone was stretched to the limit. Thoughts of loneliness and sadness filled my head with swimming confusion. I had to put a smile on my face, but inside I was hurting pretty bad. What was this terrible day? It was the day I left my home for the seminary in Rome and would not be allowed to return for 2 years.

A little dramatic? You betcha. It was hardly a prison sentence, but Filipinos tend to be a bit dramatic – especially when it comes to saying goodbye. But that’s how I felt on the day I left my family, friends and all that was so comfortable to me. Although I could never deny the interior excitement I felt about living and studying in the Eternal City, the painful “weaning” process of leaving my loving and supportive family was no piece of cake. It kinda felt like my family – a unified body – was somehow being separated.

I remember that day and that particular feeling of separation because it was the Feast we celebrate every August 29, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist!

Despite the daunting and unusual reason for celebrating, I was actually consoled by it. It providentially reminded me of the cost of being a follower of the Lord. Find me a saint who was not willing to make sacrifices and be a martyr for God, and I’ll show you a false prophet. John was true to his words to the point of being willing to die for his faith. Others would follow, in particular a group of Carmelite Nuns who also lost their heads – but not their souls!

As a young 24-year-old seminarian wanting to become a priest, I needed a heroic Feast day like John’s Beheading to remind me that I should be willing to make some sacrifices and endure some homesickness for the sake of the Kingdom.

I am sure by now you can tell that I’m slightly dramatic when it comes to some of my spiritual thoughts. I think most people are. If we want to grow in our faith, we need to see how God teaches us through small things, such as times when families have to say goodbye for a while, and experience the sadness of separation. I think of parents saying goodbye to children leaving for school, military families who experience deployment, and even here at the seminary – young men who decided to break up with girlfriends or leave the comforts of a high-paying jobs because they were called to discern the Lord’s will! It’s strangely beautiful to see this type of sacrifice. At the very least, it’s inspiring. That is why we celebrate August 29, no matter how difficult it may be.

Today’s Feast day reminds me that we’re called to be heroes! That happens in small ways, not just in big ways. When a parent does not give in to worry, but instead trusts that God will watch over her child leaving home for the first time; when children going off to college don’t sell their souls to a false sense of liberal education, which I sometimes call “libelous” education; when a teenager avoids the wrong pressures of peers, even if he gets cut off from the rest of the group; when a priest takes it on the chin for preaching a difficult truth from the pulpit! They’re all heroes – albeit less dramatically than St. John the Baptist – but we all have to start somewhere – like leaving home for the first time.

After dealing with the sadness of homesickness, I began to realize that God sometimes calls us through difficult experiences to get us to trust him more. I still admit that leaving my home for Rome was one of the worst days of my life. But ironically, a close second worst day came when I left the seminary to go back home. The seminary became my home, and my classmates became brothers. Again, it was very difficult to say goodbye to them. Although inside I was excited to return to the US to preach the Good News, I couldn’t help but call to mind my “first worst day,” and the Feast celebrated on August 29!

Pizza Omelet

My “last supper” before I left my family was breakfast. My last supper in Rome was a pizza, in particular a zucchini pizza. I thought of an interesting recipe to combine the two. A zucchini pizza omelet! This gives me a tasty combination of the 2 worst days of my life! Not such a bad life, huh? For the recipe [click here].

In the midst of struggles and challenges of this day, let’s remember the cost of discipleship. We all may not be heroes in dramatic ways, but following the way of Christ and trusting him in small ways is a good place to start. In moments of challenge, we turn to God and ask for His blessing to help us remember that life isn’t just “physical” existence, it’s also spiritual existence.

Let us pray:

God our Father, You called John the Baptist to be the herald of Your Son’s birth and death. As He gave His life in witness to truth and justice, so may we strive to profess our faith in Your Gospel. Grant this through Christ our Lord! Amen.

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Posted in Blast from the Past, Past Emails, Recipe, Spicing Up Married Life | 1 Comment »

On occasion, our Grace Before Meals movement will send out some “Blasts from the Past,” not only because the messages are still relevant today, but it also helps us remember how far we’ve come! Post something by clicking here.

Grace Under Water

I’m heading down to New Orleans to visit some friends, so this week’s Blast From The Past looks back on a heated competition for best cooking priest between my friend Msgr. Nalty and myself, called “Grace Under Fire.”

(The proud parents, Godparents, me welcome Grace into the faith.)

Speaking of Grace Under Fire, this past weekend, I had the joy of baptizing my Project Manager’s daughter, Grace, bringing her into the church and opening her heart to the Holy Spirit. It was a great celebration and she did wonderfully. We thank God for the beautiful and important sacrament and pray for Joe, Erica and Grace, along with all children, families and individuals seeking to grow in the faith through our holy Mother Church. God bless and have a great week!.

(To hold Grace (and all babies) is to experience God’s Grace. Welcome to the church, Grace!)

Grace Under Fire

Originally Published July 9, 2010

My recent visit to the great state of Louisiana was filled with culture, faith, and lots of food.  On one day, I offered a unique presentation unlike any other Grace Before Meals presentation.  I agreed to a cooking competition with two of the best chefs in New Orleans!

(Me with Chef Justin of La Petite Grocery.)

I’m constantly being asked to participate in cooking contests – Iron Chef or Throwdown! style.  While I’m confident enough in my cooking, I think the aspect of cooking competitions can take away from the Grace Before Meals message.  Yes, I did the Throwdown! with Bobby Flay.  But remember, that was a complete surprise!  Also, preparing for a cooking competition requires incredible amounts of logistical preparations.  It’s like creating a mini-Iron Chef cooking stadium!

On a more philosophical point, I normally turn down cooking competitions, because it makes more out of the Bobby Flay Throwdown! victory than necessary.  Although that competition was very real, very serious, and very much a surprise, the primary objective of the show was to highlight the Grace Before Meals movement.  Food should result in stronger family ties, not competition.

 (Bobby Flay and Me – June 2009.)

However, I agreed to enter into this culinary combat against Chef Justin of La Petite Grocery and Chef Christopher of Commander’s Palace.  This competitive cooking presentation was a favor to my dear friend, Msgr. Nalty – the doo-rag wearing priest who assisted me with grilling the steaks on the Throwdown! show.

(Me and Msgr. Nalty – getting hot under the collar.)

A few years ago he was appointed the pastor of the second largest parish in the New Orleans Archdiocese.  He also had the difficult responsibility of merging two other church communities.  Talk about a difficult task!  While most Catholics feel at home in any Catholic church anywhere in the world, human nature attaches great importance to an actual church building.  It’s understandable to feel at home where your family was baptized, married, or buried.  A parochial mentality can make transition into a new community quite difficult.  The closing of a parish building can feel like a death in the family.  However, our Faith is not only parochial, it’s also universal.  And unfortunately, nothing on earth remains the same forever.  It was time for the community to get a little closer, necessitated by diminishing numbers and finances.

(Speaking to a sold out crowd at the “new” Good Shepherd Parish.)

Msgr. Nalty, being a faithful and innovative pastor (and a big foodie), had an idea to host a “food event” that would bring all three parishes together.  He would invite local chef celebrities to “compete” against me.  That could generate some local buzz and help bring merging community members to share an evening of fun, faith, food, and family!  They called this event, “Grace Under Fire!”  My cooking skills would be challenged again.

Perhaps people wanted to taste the Famous Fusion Fajitas or sample the cuisine from professional and popular chefs.  Regardless of the reason, the crowds came and ticket sales had to close a few days before they could really even advertise!

(Participating Family.  Ticket were sold individually or a lower priced for an entire family.  What a bargain!  Delicious gourmet food for everyone!)

What an opportunity to share the Grace Before Meals message with a community that hungers for a renewed sense of a parish family.  The cooking demonstrations and competition became a means to a greater end:  fun for this new parish family!

The emcee of the evening was Mary Matalin, Republican strategist, a recent Catholic convert, and the wife of Democratic strategist, James Carville.  Talk about a unique opportunity to merge a marriage out of two completely diverse political backgrounds.

(Mary Matalin acting as emcee and asking me questions as I chopped the “Trinity.”)

Giving the final verdict was Judge Martin Feldman.  Feldman, a Jewish born Catholic Convert (Justice Antonin Scalia is his godfather), expressed sincere gratitude to be part of this community-building event.  Recently he made national news as the judge who declared Obama’s federal ban on oil drilling illegal.  Rather impressive to know his decisions made national news!

The criteria of this cooking competition was simple.  Create a family friendly recipe in 30 minutes or less, and use only 10 ingredients.  Five points for plating and design, 10 for creativity, and 10 for taste.  Time went quickly.  Competition was fierce.  The judges had quite a challenge.  Both dishes were worthy and delicious!  Judge Feldman read the verdict:  a tie!

(After the decision – a “family picture” with the competing chefs and the judges.)

While it would have been great to “boast” another victory against some impressive chefs, it was much better to boast about the wonderful event that proved the power of our Grace Before Meals movement.  This event showed Grace Before Meals, even when under fire, brings family and friends closer to the table!

Coconut Bourbon Cream Chicken and Trinity Rice

The two Chefs presented a delicious local black drum fish with a preparation called “Court bouillon,” which is usually served as a stew.  Instead, he beautifully pan seared and then braised this dish over some popcorn rice.  The Cajun-French, with their accent, simply call it “coo-boo-yon.”  Whatever you want to call it, the first thing that came out of my mouth when I tasted it was, “OMG – delicious!” (Okay, that was more like 4 words!)

(“Coo-boo-yon” – short for black drum court bouillon.)

I prepared a dish that truly used only 10 ingredients, (they counted theTrinity – celery, pepper, and onion as one dish, and they allowed us salt, pepper, and oil as a given).  My dish reflected the fusion aspect of my cooking, as it brought together some Asian flavors combined with Cajun spices and a tribute to Bourbon Street – a touch of bourbon to add some extra flavor to my coconut cream sauce. Enjoy!

(Bourbon Coconut Cream Chicken, with Trinity Fried Rice in a grilled red pepper ring.)

Click here for recipe

When Grace is Under Fire!

Msgr. Nalty’s responsibility to bring different parishes together puts a burden on many people who feel the pain of transition.  As I said before, it’s sad to say “goodbye” to a place that means so much to people, especially the sanctity of a church building.  I know this personally, as my own home parish no longer has a regular parish priest in residence, and the school was recently closed down due to low numbers and finances.

In such situations our faith can be tested – Grace is under fire!  Yet our faith tells us that our citizenship is in Heaven, and our faith gives us the grace to move forward, never letting go of the beautiful memories we may have in the past, but never afraid of starting new ones for the future.  As church buildings come and go, we can never forget that God wants “church” to begin in our hearts, minds, and souls – not in a building.  Our ultimate goal is not to keep earthly buildings standing forever.  Instead, our goal is to bring our souls (where Christ wants to dwell) forever in Heaven!

Let us Pray:  Father, when our faith is tested, especially when the tests and challenging situations come from within the Church, give us Grace to stay committed to Your Church family on earth.  Help us to have the proper balance of seeking and protecting holy things on earth – like churches, statues, and holy images.  At the same time, help us never forget that spiritual faith can only be touched with the heart, mind, and soul; and that practice of our faith is never limited to one building or at one place only.  Give us O Lord, the strength to always be Your family on earth and to reach out to those who do not yet feel a sense of community.  May You, our Good Shepherd, feed us the Heavenly Food that makes one in the Body of Christ.  We ask this, in Your most Holy Name. Amen.

(The Sanctuary of St. Stephen Church, New Orleans.  NOTE – this is a correction from last week’s e-mail blast that had two pictures of the St. Louis Cathedral sanctuary.  I apologize for the mistake in the photo descriptions.)

Posted in Blast from the Past, Chicken, Food for the Body, Food for the Soul, Food for Thought, Past Emails, Prayers, Recipe, Recipe-Meats, Recipes | 2 Comments »

On occasion, our Grace Before Meals movement will send out some “Blasts from the Past,” not only because the messages are still relevant today, but it also helps us remember how far we’ve come! Post something by clicking here.

Old Dog, New Tricks

Now I am not truly an “old dog”, though I feel like it sometimes when traveling non-stop or when doing a flying jump kick over some volunteers to break some boards (see picture below). But as the fall approaches, our Grace Before Meals team is preparing to launch some new “tricks” as discussed in last week’s blast, including the long-awaited release of my new book Spicing Up Married Life, coming out September 18.

And if I have to take the designation of being an “old dog performing new tricks,” as humbling as it may seem, I am glad to, as I know I am in good company- specifically, St. Dominic (whose feast day is August 8) and my former spiritual director, Fr. Frank McGauley.

I look back fondly on the many lessons I learned from this amazing priest, who passed away on July 15, 2008. He was 86 years old at the time, and yet, as you will read below, he was always learning something new about his faith and love for God, as well as God’s love for us. And much like St. Dominic, his faithfulness was inspiring and helped me to grow deeper in my own. So please enjoy this stroll down memory lane to remember this great priest and friend from whom I learned so much. And with St. Dominic’s intercession, we ask for God’s blessing on all priests and religious, families and communities, and all those, including Grace Before Meals, who seek to glorify God with their lives and devotion. May we please him by our faithfulness and true love.

St. Dominic – Old Dog, New Tricks

Originally Published August 8, 2007

My spiritual director is an 85-year-old Jesuit Priest who served in the missionaries of India for more than 30 years.  He learned their languages and culture in order to serve the poor and local tribes as their pastor, spiritual leader, and friend.  He’s worked with Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta and a host of other holy men and women who brought the Good News of Jesus to that part of the world!

His credentials were enough reason for me to “select” him as my spiritual director. But there are so many other reasons, such as his sincere joy, his holy fear of the Lord, his sensitivity and awareness to the battles against evil, and also his down to earth spirituality.  Above all, he is humble!

I could jokingly say, he’s everything I’m NOT – but then, I wouldn’t be joking!

Every meeting, without fail, I receive so much spiritual food from his wisdom and counsel.  But one thing I constantly marvel at is how this “old man” approaches suffering, trials and challenges – especially the challenge of growing older.  He sees challenges as lessons in life, and he tells us that nothing goes to waste!  He lives with knowledge and hope that even our problems can be useful in God’s hands.

In my last Spiritual Direction Meeting (I usually go once a month), I heard he had a nasty fall down a flight of stairs.  He let go of the safety rail with his one hand because he was afraid of tipping over the plate of food he had in his other hand.  Of course my ears perked up, simply because he mentioned food!  (I secretly wondered if the meal was worth the fall!)  But thank God his athletic skills from his younger days kicked in, so that he fell in such a way to avoid even worse physical damage. Though it could have been worse, it was bad enough to bloody him up and require medical attention.  He thanks his angels for helping him out, especially at his tender age!

Yet in all of this, this man of God was able to learn a life lesson, which he conveyed to me.  He mentioned that the plate of food could be a symbol of the many responsibilities, privileges, and issues that we carry.  These things are precious to us and we are afraid to tip them over.  BUT for him, the handrail was a symbol of GOD.  No matter how tempted we may be to try and take control (i.e. use both hands) and manage our own affairs, we cannot let go of God.  Look at what might happen if we do!

Here is a man who could call himself “a ragged old dog.”  Yet he is so willing to learn new tricks!  I used this phrase “old dog” because of the Feast we celebrate every August 8th – the Feast of St. Dominic, founder of the Dominicans.  His name and the name of the congregations he founded literally means “Dogs of the Lord” – domini (Lord) canes (Dogs).  An image of St. Dominic normally shows him in the beautiful white Dominican Robes pointing up, holding a book, and next to him a dog holding a torch in its mouth.

Even though my spiritual director is a Jesuit, I see in him a true “Dominican” – as he is ever faithful to the Lord, like the old dog “Fido” (which is a form of the word “Fides” – “Faith”).  Sorry cat lovers, but that’s why they call Fido “man’s best friend,” because the dogs are ever faithful!

This old faithful – my spiritual director – reminds me that life should be a spiritual journey and that we can find spiritual lessons in every encounter – even if its challenging and full of suffering.  After all, Jesus didn’t die on the cross to be jewelry, but to be a visible lesson and reminder of love, forgiveness, and the reality of human suffering, especially in our elderly population – who is so often forgotten.  My spiritual director, and all of the elderly patients I minister to remind me of the importance to grow old gracefully and to realize that getting older presents its own challenges.  We who are younger can learn tremendous lessons from them, even if the only lesson we repeat is patience, patience, patience!

I’ll close with this story I keep close to my heart whenever I consider working with the elderly.  A young priest noticed the old Monsignor sleeping in his pew during prayer.  One day the younger priest expressed his displeasure to the old man and questioned how he could sleep during his prayer.  The old Monsignor explained that he tries to stay attentive to the Lord in prayer, but sometimes his age gets the best of him.  “In those moments,” the old man explained, “I sometimes hear God say, ‘You’re not as young as you were, but your faithfulness is like a dog who sometimes serves his master best by simply resting at his master’s feet!”

With the prayers of St. Dominic, I want to ask God to bless my spiritual director with a long and faithful life – I obviously need that “old dog” around to teach me new lessons!

Orzo Ginger Chicken

The FDA has some ideas for healthy eating for our elderly community.  Sometimes we have to wonder, how did people in generations past live such long lives without the FDA?  I think they used common sense by eating appropriately, healthy, and festively – and they started young.  So start now!  But if you do have someone a bit older in your family life, you may want to make them a healthful and soul satisfying meal. Here’s an idea for a very simple and tasty dish that’s not only easy to prepare, it’s also really easy to eat!  For the recipe [click here].

My spiritual director has taught me great ways of praying!  He reminds me to make sure that “nothing goes to waste.”  Therefore, if ever I have certain challenges, I try to reflect on them and ask, “What did I learn from this?”  This examination of conscience not only reminds us that our challenges are not useless, but could also be helpful!  My spiritual director’s fall taught him and me to always manage the “food on my plate” by not overdoing it, and to always, no matter what, hold on to the railing!

Let Us Pray: Lord, when life gets a bit more complicated, help me to take a moment to gain true balance, so that I can better walk with You and with Your people.  Help me to be strong, but at the same time humble enough to keep me dependent on Your loving guidance.  Help me to walk, hand in hand, with You!  Amen.

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On occasion, our Grace Before Meals movement will send out some “Blasts from the Past,” not only because the messages are still relevant today, but it also helps us remember how far we’ve come! Post something by clicking here.

The Blood & The Rose Finally Complete!

It’s the end of July, which means it is nearing the end of summer and the end of these Blasts From The Past. But I wanted to commemorate and congratulate my good friend and producer of Grace Before Meals, Tim Watkins, who has just completed work on his film about Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe, “The Blood & The Rose”! It has been 6 years in development, but it has all come together beautifully. The film is narrated by Eduardo Verastegui, who starred in “Bella” and more recently, “For Greater Glory” and was produced by Steve McEveety, who produced “The Passion Of The Christ”. You can check out an older trailer below by clicking the picture. And keep up with the film by checking it out on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr!

Watch the trailer for “The Blood & The Rose”, finally complete!

Interested in Screening the Film?

Now that the movie is finished, the next step is to set up screenings in cities across the US. The hope is to have large events to screen the film, have speakers present on Mary and our role as “Messenger Eagles” to share our faith, and the chance to celebrate the Holy Mass. If this is something you would be interested in getting involved with, please email info@leomcwatkinsfilms.com to find out how to bring this important film to your city.

Since it has been 6 years, I thought it would be good to look back at when the film was first being developed back in 2007. The following eBlast was originally sent out on the Feast Day for Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12, so you will notice references to Advent and Christmas. Additionally, some of the original links do not exist anymore, but it does not change the importance of this miracle for the Catholic faith and the effect it has had on millions. And when you consider that Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patroness of both the Americas and the Philippines, I am certainly glad to share her message for all to hear. God bless!

Our Lady of Guadalupe – December 12

Originally posted December 12, 2007

First, a bit of history: It was December 9, 1531, when a humble Mexican Indian convert Juan Diego first saw a mysterious vision of a woman.  He was on his way to daily mass, passing a hill known as Tepeyac, in Mexico.  The vision occurred again the next day. Each of the two days he was asked by the woman to relay a message, a request to build a church on that spot. Both times he was turned down by Bishop Zummeraga.  As Juan Diego begged for the woman to make her request to a man of more importance, she insisted that Juan Diego go once more – this time, though, she gave him proof.  She instructed him to pick the flowers on the hill and bring them to the Bishop.  Juan Diego once again stood before the Bishop, and as he unfurled his cactus cloth tilma to expose the flowers an image was revealed.  This was the sign to convince the Bishop and Juan Diego of the authenticity of this heavenly message…and the messenger.  This image is determined to be the Virgin Mary, the mother of God.  Prayerful devotion to the message of peace and holiness from this woman is known as “Our Lady of Guadalupe.”  The shrine, now located on that very hill of the first apparition, is one of the most celebrated pilgrimages in North America, and devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe has brought about countless conversions to the Faith, miraculous healings, and a sense of a heavenly presence from a spiritual mother in Heaven.

Fast-forward to the Spring of 2006: the producer of Grace Before Meals, Tim Watkins – a faithful man and good friend, was invited to produce a documentary on this incredible story.  Even though I studied Mariology, the study of Mary’s life and veneration to Her, I did not know much of the information Tim uncovered in his research.  There is so much to this amazing phenomena, it will take a serious act of God’s Grace to produce this film.  And their production team is working hard, even now, to be instruments of God’s Grace!

At one point in the production, Tim and the film crew were invited to the Shrine in Mexico to capture the various parts of the history and the life of faith on film, including an up close view of this sacred image.  A small group was invited to go into the vault, where the image is mechanically drawn away from the Shrine’s apse, in order to view the image up close and in private.  I was fortunate enough to be part of that small group!  The sense of faith evoked from this image was difficult to describe.  I can just say it was a beautiful moment.

Unfortunately, many could dismiss this icon as a piece of “mediocre” art, especially if they do not study its importance.  Thank God enough attention was paid to this “stamped” image on poorly constructed fiber.  The fact that the image and the cloth have endured almost 500 years has mystified the scientific community.  This image is in much better shape than the Declaration of Independence!  Consider the scientific studies that discovered images of historical people in the cornea of the image’s eye.  Check out the NASA research of the constellation contained in the vesture of the image that documents the position of the stars on the exact day of the apparition.  And read up on the accuracy of Mexico’s historical topography embedded in the designs of the image’s clothing, and you’ll realize there’s more to this image than meets the eye.

The image shows a woman with a belt situated under her bosom.  This demonstrates the woman is pregnant – she is full of Life! Therefore, theologically, this image represents the sacred dignity of life, which we will celebrate in a special way on December 25.  A four-leaf flower petal – the only four-leaf flower in the whole image – is situated perfectly on her belly, the spot of the unborn child.  Cultural historians explain this flower image as a symbol of divinity and kingship.  The stars that decorate this four-leaf flower make up the constellation “Leo”, as the lion is king of the jungle.  Could it be the Divine Artist was describing for the natives how the child in her womb is the “King,” the Lion of Judah, Jesus Christ – Divinity Incarnate!

This miraculous image could not have come at a better time for the native people of that land.  Historically, this image represents the turning of the tide from the brutal bloodshed of human sacrifices done to appease the false gods worshiped at the nearby temples.  Now, this new King, quietly resting in the womb of the woman, will want bloody sacrifices no more.  In fact, he will demand the exact opposite: Let Life Live!  The virginal image of this tilma and the virginal image of this Holy Season of Advent remind us Mary chose life.  No wonder this image has become the symbol for the Pro-Life movement.

Every December 12, the Catholic world, especially the Spanish-speaking community, celebrates this great feast in honor of this mysterious but hopeful image.  Could it be just a silly pious tradition surrounding an historical image?  Or could the celebration of this feast, less than 2 weeks from Christmas, be a heavenly reminder that Life is the greatest gift we can receive?  This image and this universal celebration of the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe cannot come at a better time for our own people, right here and now!  In our society, where people forget life is a gift and that a wrong choice can lead to an abortion and terminate the life of an unborn baby, this image reminds us we can fall into the temptation of being false gods too.  When we consider the number of abortions in our modern culture, we can see how we are not unlike the bloody culture of the past, willing to perform “human sacrifices” for the sake of convenience and to protect our own comforts.  One modern thinker has even gone so far as to say children are dangerous to the Earth’s resources. [Editors note: Dead link]  Thank God for the enduring message from the silent witness of Juan Diego’s tilma!

In preparation for the Holy Season of Christmas, when the image of the Woman with Child brings joy, peace, and hope, can we remember to do all we can to help pregnant women in need?  Should we not remind every man, starting from a young age, his responsibility to care for the mother of his child and to be a part of the birthing and raising of the child (as St. Joseph did)?  By our prayerful witness, can we help raise appropriate awareness in our politicians – as public servants – of the issues that are primarily moral, especially in regards to the first principals of the dignity of human life from conception to natural death!

The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is another perfect image and symbol of Advent, for she waits for her child to be born.  And those who look at this image with devotion can also anticipate with joy the coming of her Son – who gives Life to the world!

A Mexican Sweet Treat: Bunuelos

I was looking for a recipe that would be proper to the Mexican culture, especially in light of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  I asked Christopher Ortega, a seminarian for the diocese of Savannah, who has a Mexican heritage, what type of treat he would like to eat to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe.  He mentioned his mother’s Bunuelos – a crispy tortilla with either a sugar cane glaze or powdered sugar.  Thanks again to Chris and his mother for sharing their recipe!  For the recipe, [click here].

A Prayer for Life!

This Blast is not intended to make people feel guilty, but to help people understand some choices can kill an innocent child.  Mary in the Nativity scene and Mary in the Guadalupe image would never call that Life in her womb a simple cluster of cells.  She would call that living entity her child!  In today’s culture, where life is treated without dignity – as witnessed by the hostility a child faces in the womb, the rejection the poor experience, the neglect of the sick and elderly, and the early termination of life because it can pose challenges and inconveniences – we need to listen to the silent witness of Juan Diego’s tilma.  Perhaps it may be a good meditation to put up this image in your home, near your Nativity Scene – so we not only celebrate the Life when born, but also when the Life is conceived!

Let us pray:

God our power and mercy, You blessed the Americas at Tepeyac with the presence of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe.  May her prayers help all men and women to accept each other as brothers and sisters.  Through your justice present in our hearts may Your peace reign in the world.  We ask this through Christ our Lord! Amen.

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