Rev. Dave Kowaleski's Blog
"Dining on the Word"
In Jesus' ministry we see times when even he found it necessary to get away for a period of rest and refreshment. Many times he would go to a place away from the crowds and distractions. If this were important for Jesus it is something we too need to do for our health and well being.
One of the places I go to get away from the crowds and distractions is the kitchen. Not to eat, but to pull out a favorite recipe. I find that when I start measuring and reading the directions I can put all else aside, concentrate on what I'm preparing and end up with a creative and fulfilling result.
In thinking about this article, I thought of taking all of this a step further. For the course of this year and into next, I will be sharing some of my favorite recipes and looking at them from a biblical perspective. The title of this series will be "Dining on the Word." I hope that this will offer something different but meaningful to our journey of faith. Remember, some of Jesus' most effective ministry was centered around a meal.
October 2009
Today's recipe is "Roasted Tomato Soup." I just discovered this recipe a couple of weeks ago and am already on my fourth batch. The great thing about this find is that everything but the oil, onion, salt and pepper came out of our small herb and tomato garden. All the ingredients were provided with very little or no effort on my part.
This reminds me of the basic premise that stewardship begins with God. In I Chronicles 29, King David offers a prayer to God on behalf of the people during a time of offering. He's very clear in speaking of God's part and ours as it relates to possessions. In verse 11 he says "...for all that is in the heavens and on the earth is yours." He reinforces this thought in verse 14 by saying, "For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you."
My response to this is, if all things belong to God, why does he desire what I can give him and what is my motive for giving? I've discovered that it's our way of thanking God for his abundant kindness to us. As David indicates is verse 13, "And now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your glorious name." Our giving is an expression of gratitude to God. It's not a matter of what the church needs, it a recognition of God's love for each of us and the measure of our personal thanks to him.
ROASTED TOMATO SOUP
3 ½ lbs. tomatoes (About 11 medium) halved 1 tsp salt
1 small onion quartered ¼ tsp pepper
2 garlic cloves, peeled and halved 12 fresh basil leaves
2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 small sprig fresh parsley
2 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves Salad croutons
Place tomatoes, onion and garlic in a greased 15in x 10in baking pan; drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with thyme, salt and pepper; toss to coat. Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until tender, stirring once. Cool slightly.
In a blender, process tomato mixture, basil and parsley in batches until blended. Heat through in a large sauce pan. (Can be stored in refrigerator and heated for later use.) Serve with croutons.
