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.
November 2008
Today's recipe is one of my favorites for fall and winter. It's what I call "Meatball Stew" and it's made in a crock pot. This is a hearty stew and full of flavor. What I like is the unique blend of ingredients. Each item used keeps its own unique flavor but when blended with all the other ingredients, the overall result is a great taste and the desire for a second helping.
This dish reminds me of the recipe for the church. In Romans 12:4-6 we're told, "For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace give to us, let us use them..." It's the blending together of the gifts God has given us that brings out the real flavor and ministry of the church. All of us are unique in God's sight, but we're expected to use our unique giftedness as a vital ingredient to the work of the church. Just as today's recipe, if any of the ingredients are missing we lose the full intended flavor of the dish.
As the church, we need to ask ourselves what kind of presentation and flavor do we desire. Do we want the best we can offer or leftovers?
What are your passions and gifts that you can offer to the ingredients of the church? As the Apostle Paul reminds us we all have gifts, let's use them.
Meatball Stew
1 pound ground beef 1/2 cup ketchup
1 1/2 tsp salt, divided 1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp pepper, divided 1 1/2 tsp vinegar
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut in chunks 1/2 tsp dried basil
4 medium carrots, cut in chunks 1/2 clove garlic, crushed
1 large onion, cut in chunks
Combine beef, 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper; mix well. Shape into 1 inch balls. In a skillet, brown meatballs on all sides over medium heat and drain. Place potatoes, carrots and
onion in a crock pot. Top with meatballs. Combine ketchup, water, vinegar, basil, garlic, and remaining salt and pepper; pour over meatballs. Cover and cook on high about 4 hours or until vegetables are tender.
Note: I find it usually takes less than 4 hours.
