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.
March 2009
Today's salmon offering is one we really enjoy because of its flavor and because we can change the recipe to suit our taste. It reminds me of the time after his resurrection when Jesus saw Peter and several other disciples on the lake fishing. He called to them and asked if they had caught any fish. They hadn't. He then instructed them to cast the net on the other side of the boat. They did as he asked and caught more fish than they could haul into the boat. It was then they recognized who it was that called to them and quickly they came ashore. In preparation, Jesus had already started a fire and prepared a meal of fish.
It's here in John 21:15-17 Jesus asks Peter, "Do you love me?" He asks this of Peter three times and Peter responds each time in the affirmative. To each affirmation of Peter, Jesus offers a task of feeding his lambs, tending his sheep and feeding his sheep. Of course, Jesus wasn't asking him to become a shepherd of livestock. It seems that what Jesus wants us to understand is that if we love him it has to be demonstrated in our actions. The proof of our love for Jesus is by loving others. He says to Peter, and to us, "If you love me then give your life to shepherding the sheep and the lambs of my flock."
This love becomes the greatest privilege in the world. Consider that as we now enter the Lenten Season it was God who gave us the example of this very love in action. Out of his love for us he gave his only Son that we may have life. Let's share that life with others.
Salmon (Baked or Broiled)
2 (6 ounce) salmon fillets 1 tsp salt
2-3 Tbs light olive oil 1/2 tsp pepper
2 tsp dried basil 1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried parsley
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl mix together olive oil, basil, parsley, salt, pepper and garlic. Place salmon fillets in a medium glass baking dish and cover with mixed ingredients. Let marinate 30 minutes. Bake for 20-30 minutes until done or easily flaked with a fork.
P.S. I always turn on the broiler for a few minutes to finish it off. It gives it a nice color and a little crunch.
