Monday, August 04, 2025
Menu Plan: August 3 - 9 Dormition Fast and Feast of the Transfiguration
During the Dormition fast, I join with others to dedicate our prayers toward the end of abortion - not only in law, but also in practice - that nobody would ever feel the need to resort to this. This week holds the feast of the Transfiguration, also. I love the Transfiguration! We have the Trinity demonstrated in the voice of the Father and the uncreated light of the Spirit which overshadows the mountain, we have the communion of saints demonstrated and modeled (Jesus calls on not only Elijah, who never died, but Moses, in the presence of the Apostles - who know exactly who they are - and shows them that they can be called on in this world) to us, and we have a Theophany, a demonstration of the divinity of Christ. Saint Peter's statement about building tablernacles is not only an impetuous statement of someone not knowing what to say. It shows that Saint Peter connects what he witnesses with the Feast of Tabernacles, which is the feast of the coming Kingdom. He sees this as a sign of the Kingdom appearing on earth. On this feast, the Jewish people build booths to serve as symbols of God's dwelling among the just in the Kingdom. Moses represents the law and all who have died, and Elijah, the prophets and all who are alive in Christ, as Elijah never experienced death. Both of these men are immediately recognizeable by Saints Peter, James and John. They know them, because the saints are available to us on earth. They can hear Jesus talking to them, and Jesus gives them an example of communicating with the saints. This is one of the major feasts of the Church year, and it is a poverty to neglect or ignore it.
We are swimming in fresh produce, tons of fruit and vegetables, and it is a blessing. Loads of preservation going on here, and loads of delicious food. We are blessed to live in a growing area. There will be more canning and drying and freezing through October. God is truly caring for us, and we are trying to steward that gift.
Again, don't be surprised by the eggs and dairy in our menus this week. We do take the Dormition fast a little bit more lightly, as we are growing into it. We also may break it on Sundays, as we serve a parish that doesn't necessarily keep the fast. We are blessed with a fish day this week, and I am happy for that. We rejoice in our fast and are so grateful for the wonderful things we can have and the focus it gives us for prayer and for study. It is not too late to start the fast, and it is never something you need to do all the way if you are unable. Start to climb the mountain; God will meet you there. The fast is a gift He gives us, not something we give Him.
- Sunday
Breakfast: Pancakes with Maple Syrup, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Macaroni and Cheese (plus a Gluten Free option), Parishioners bring Sides/Salads/Desserts - Monday - Feast of Saint Dominic
Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, Avocado, Tomato and Jalapeño, Toast, Fruit, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Araka (Greek Pea and Potato Stew), Rice, Red Pears - Tuesday
Breakfast: Tunisian Shakshouka (using sweet potatoes), Peaches, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Balela, Tamis, Yellow Plums - Wednesday - Feast of The Transfiguration of Our Lord
Breakfast: Oatmeal with Raisins, Cinnamon and Brown Sugar, Tea with Honey
Dinner: Grilled Salmon with Creamy Feta Sauce, Garlic Pasta, Tomato and Cucumber Salad, Peaches - Thursday
Breakfast: Slow Cooker Rice Pudding with Diced Apples and Cranberries, Coffee and Tea
Dinner: Galayet Banadora, Rice, Chopped Salad, Fruit Plate - Friday
Breakfast: Tomato Toast, Pears, Tea and Coffee
Dinner: Mejeddarah, Crisp Onions, Sliced Tomatoes, Fruit Plate - Saturday
Breakfast: Creamed Eggs, Toast, Plums, Milk and Coffee
Dinner: Black Bean and Corn Salad with Avocado, Corn Chips, Fruit Plate
Labels: Church Year, Family, Fasting as a Family, Homemaking, Homesteading, Keeping the Feast, Menu Plans, Tales from the Kitchen
