Scallops in the shell. Photo from www.thescallopshack.com.

We all need to have a toughness of exterior to protect our hearts and souls.  But we obviously know that we need to let people in our lives – willingly.  Studying a little about scallops, or any shellfish really, they have to let in the elements (i.e., food), in order to stay alive.  Yet, at the same time, this toughness can have a double meaning.  One way to understand a healthy form of toughness means that we don’t cry at the drop of the hat or cower when our faith is confronted, and that we become confident – rather than cowardly.  In other words, we can be confident in who we are and in who we believe – God – who can help us maintain the balance to be strong but gentle.

The late Pope John Paul II, a great image of a tough and authentic man, who also showed the compassion and love of a gentle man.

Unfortunately, there is another form of toughness that can hurt more than help.  We’ve all met or probably know people who have such a tough exterior – possibly as a defense mechanism from being hurt in the past – that they let no one into their lives, including God. I recently thought of this dual understanding of toughness when I made scallops for dinner with a group of priests.  Dinner provided us a time to share our experiences, especially the challenges that can easily harden us, including our hearts – something we obviously want to avoid!  The dinner discussion helped to give us the confidence which serves the purpose of the shell to the scallop so that we can protect the goodness within – namely, our hearts!

The crowds at the Our Lady of the Star Cultural Center in Ponte Vedra, Florida, where Fr. Leo Patalinghug offered a cooking demonstration and talk for the Palmer Catholic Academy.

The next time your family asks for scallops, you can think of this simple message and share with them more than a delicious recipe.  Share with them some spiritual insights.

NOTE: You may notice some changes and/or technical difficulties on our website. We apologize for any inconvenience but the good news is that our new website is officially going to be ready to launch by November 1, 2012 and will help take our movement to the next level. We are excited to share the new site with all interested in family meal ideas, easy access to Fr. Leo’s recipes, videos, event details, and other involvements and ways to share the movement with others. So please stay with us the next 2 weeks as we seek to serve up a wonderful experience for each “GBM fam” out there.

• What’s your favorite scallop recipe?
• How do you teach your children to find a balance between being strong and gentle at the same time?

Post your answers below, and share the love of good food that feeds body, mind, and spirit.

Scallops with Balsamic Glaze

Another way to present the same scallop recipe, over a slice of tomato with drippings of the balsamic glaze

 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19TH

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 10700 Aboite Wayne International Airport

CONTACT: frjshafer@seasfw.org

• Fr. Leo will be giving three presentations and will concelebrate masses.  He will present particularly on beating the fast food mentality and on the importance of spending time with family.