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.
August 2009
During the summer we really enjoy fresh fruit. It’s plentiful, often local and usually fresh. Today’s recipe is a fruit pudding that’s similar to a cobbler. Each time I make it, however, I question its outcome when I put it in the oven as all the ingredients are submerged in boiling water. I can’t understand how anything appetizing will come from what my eyes are seeing. I’m always amazed by the finished product and its delicious taste, especially when it’s still warm.
This reminds me of many people Jesus encountered. Much of his ministry was directed to tax collectors, the blind and the lame, those with various issues of life that made them outcasts to much of the world around them. Through the eyes of many, these are people who would never amount to anything or be any different. Yet through the compassion and touch of Jesus we see lives transformed into something new and wonderful. His mission, as we see in Luke 4:18, was to preach good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives, recover the sight of the blind and to free those who were oppressed.
No matter how people may look on the outside, there’s a work of wonder inside just waiting to happen. As the fruit pudding transforms in the warmth of an oven, lives continue to be transformed at the hands of Jesus. Through his power in us may we be his hands of love and compassion in our world making a difference in the lives of others.
FRUIT PUDDING
2 Tbsp. butter
½ cup milk
1 ½ cup sugar
1 cup berries or fruit (I always add more)
1 cup flour
1 cup boiling water
2 tsp. baking power
Cream butter with ½ cup sugar.
Add flour, baking powder and milk.
Spread batter in a 9 inch square of 1½ quart greased baking dish.
Spread berries or fruit over batter.
Dot with butter.
Sprinkle remaining sugar over berries.
Pour boiling water over all. Do not stir.
Bake for 50 minutes at 350 degrees.
