Meals as a Mrs. ~ Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

Adam's favorite dish is Chicken Marsala.  He enjoys this dinner so much that when we find ourselves in an Italian restaurant, that is his meal of choice.  Sadly, more often than not, he is disappointed with the restaurant's version as it doesn't compare to his father's recipe he remembers enjoying as a child and growing up in California.  So, when I discovered this version of Chicken Marsala that comes to us from the crock pot, I eagerly tried it.  Adam actually liked it!!  It was juicy, bursting with flavor, and so easy!!  Thank you, crock pot, for doing all the work!  Here is the recipe I followed but I did add a note that next time, I will want to add more wine!  :)

Today is the feast day of The Presentation of the Lord/Candlemas since it has been 40 days since Christmas Day.  This is why some Catholics have a tradition of leaving the Nativity creche or other Christmas decorations out until today.

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( Taken from www.CatholicCulture.org. )

The Readings
Today's first reading gives us an important insight to understand profoundly the mystery of the Lord’s Presentation in the Temple by Mary and Joseph, in accordance with the canons of Mosaic Law. The text, taken from the Prophet Malachi says, ‘I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord who you seek’ (Mal 3:1). From all the Gospels, we know that it is the Precursor, St John the Baptist who was born 6 months before Jesus, that God sent to prepare His way. Putting these evangelical facts together, we can comprehend the words of the Prophet Malachi. The Lord God promised that He would send a Precursor to prepare His way. Since there are only six months between the birth of St John the Baptist and Jesus it is clear that the prophecy meant that suddenly after the Precursor, the Lord Himself will come. So, soon after the Baptist’s birth, God entered His temple. Jesus’ presentation signifies God’s entrance to His temple. God made man entered His temple, presenting Himself to those who were really searching for Him.
Today’s Gospel introduces us to different people and events that in themselves provide numerous lessons and themes for further reflection. First of all, Mary and Joseph respect the Mosaic Law by offering the sacrifice prescribed for the poor: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.
Simeon and Anna were two venerable elderly people dedicated to prayer and fasting and so their strong religious spirit rendered them able to recognize the Messiah. In this sense we can see in the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple an extension of the ‘Pro Orantibus Day’ (For those who pray) that is celebrated on the feast of the Presentation of Mary (21 November). On this day, the Church demonstrates its gratitude to all those in the community that dedicate themselves in a privileged way to prayer, to those who have a particular religious vocation to the contemplative life. In the figure of the venerable Simeon, Jesus’ presentation in the temple, also reminds us that prayer and contemplation are not just a waste of time or an obstacle to charity. On the contrary, time could not be better spent than in prayer as true Christian charity is a consequence of a solid interior life. Only those who pray and offer penance, like Simeon and Anna, are open to the breath of the Spirit. They know how to recognize the Lord in the circumstances in which He manifests Himself because they possess an ample interior vision, and they have learned how to love with the heart of the One whose very name is Charity.
At the end of the Gospel Simeon’s prophecy of Mary’s sufferings is emphasized. Pope John Paul II taught that, ‘Simeon's words seem like a second Annunciation to Mary, for they tell her of the actual historical situation in which the Son is to accomplish his mission, namely, in misunderstanding and sorrow.’ (Redemptoris Mater, n16) The archangel’s announcement was a fount of incredible joy because it pertained to Jesus’ messianic royalty and the supernatural character of His virginal conception. The announcement of the elderly in the temple instead spoke of the Lord’s work of redemption that He would complete associating Himself through suffering to His Mother. Therefore, there is a strong Marian dimension to this feast and so in the Liturgical Calendar of the Extraordinary Form it is called the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This refers to the other aspect of the presentation that consists of the ritual purification of Jewish women after they had given birth. In Mary’s case this purification was not necessary, but it indicates the renewal of her total offering of herself to God for the accomplishment of His Divine Plan.

Reflecting on all this tonight, I seek to model myself after Mary all the more.  She provides such an example of selfless sacrificial love and offering to her family and God.  I also admire Joseph's parenting style too.  I hope that our little family can strive to follow in the Holy Family's footsteps.  Today, while fighting a cold and plans falling through because of being sick, found me planning for Charlotte's first birthday party for family next month.  Planning out the details for this celebration reminded me of the time spent preparing for Charlotte's sacrament of Baptism when Adam and I presented her to the church.  I hope she grows to be strong in her faith, loving and kind to all, charitable with her time and talent, and engages in life with a servant's heart.  Hopefully Adam and I can model all those characteristics through not only our marriage but family and also in our everyday interactions with others.