The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

This week is the penultimate week of the year. We are walking the Via Dolorosa with Christ. We live each of those days with Him. Meals this week are lighter and simpler, and follow the strictest fasting rules. Traditionally, a full fast begins on the evening of Maundy (Mandatum - from the new mandate/commandment Jesus gives, as He established the priesthood, the sacraments of the Eucharist and confession), and goes through the end of the Vigil on Saturday, as we await Jesus by the tomb. The events of this week are what give shape to every other week of our year. We have the priesthood, the Eucharist, confession, because of this week. We fast on Wednesdays and Fridays because of Judas' selling Jesus on Wednesday and Christ's crucifixion on Friday. We celebrate a little Paschal feast every Sunday. This week is the most important week in the year.

This year, just about everyone has kept the Lenten fast completely. If I may be permitted, I am proud of their dedication to their own spiritual growth, and to allowing themselves to be disciplined so they can learn to discipline themselves. They have embraced the fast, and have also been willing to break it for the sake of others, without any problem, and are trying to keep the Triduum fast as best they can. Mariam is planning on starting after breakfast on Good Friday, and Nejat plans on only eating one meal on Friday and Saturday until after the vigil. Speaking of that vigil, I am so pleased that our little Sunday church group will again be able to have a retired priest come to serve that highest liturgy of the year. It is the Feast of Feasts, and the high point of our year.

May you have a blessed Holy Week! If you are Orthodox, Eastern Catholic, or Coptic, we pray for a continued Holy Lent!

• Sunday - Palm Sunday
  Breakfast: Ful, Chopped Tomatoes, Chiles, Olives and Onions, Toast, Sliced Oranges, Tea and Coffee
  Dinner: Croatian Brudet, Creamy Lenten Polenta with Garlic and Parsley, Green Salad, Fruit Plate
• Monday - Holy Monday
  Breakfast: Wheateena with Maple Syrup and Coconut Milk, Sliced Oranges, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Vegetarian Ranchero Beans, Rice, Fruit Plate
• Tuesday - Holy Tuesday
  Breakfast: Tomato Olive Toast with Za'atar, Fruit Plate, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: 15 Minute Peanut Butter Noodles with Vegetables and Shellfish Mix, Home Canned Pears
• Wednesday - Spy Wednesday
  Breakfast: Steel Cut Oats with Raisins, Cinnamon and Brown Sugar, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Coconut Curry Noodle Bowls with Chickpeas, Fruit Plate
• Thursday - Maundy Thursday
  Breakfast: Potato Hash Burritos with Salsa, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Tomato and Olive Pasta (with sunflower oil), Green Salad, Fruit Plate
• Friday - Good Friday
  Breakfast: Tahina and Date Syrup on Toast, Tea with Honey - for Mariam
  Dinner: Shorbat 'Addas (made with sunflower oil), Bread for Nejat
• Saturday - Holy/Vigil Saturday
  Dinner: Shorbat 'Addas (made with sunflower oil), Bread for Nejat

What is on your menu this week? If you want a recipe, ask and I will provide it as soon as I can. If there are any starred recipes, I will follow up separately with a weekly recipe round up on a Saturday.

Labels: Church Year, Faith and Morality, Family, Fasting as a Family, Governor Inslee Needs a Frozen Fish to the Forehead, Holy Week, Homemaking, Lent, Menu Plans, Tales from the Kitchen