March 9, 2012

The Third [Meatless] Friday in Lent

Embrace each day with joy
Give thanks for gift of life
Living in borrowed time
In simple joy, delight

- Victor P. Gendrano

In this borrowed time, there are some of us who eat for both survival and and some who eat for pleasure. I was cooking this week with fellow parishioners to feed those in our neighborhood whose food choices are few—and eating is more for survival than pleasure. It is fitting that Saint Christopher’s hosts this year’s hypothermia program during Lent, providing an opportunity to share a place for our homeless to sleep and receive a week of lovingly-cooked meals.

I feel a deep, personal responsibility to feed those around us whose hard-earned money cannot pay for rent and groceries and transportation. With similar conviction, I am grateful to afford foods that nourish myself and my husband, and feel that if we can afford to feed our bodies, these foods ought to provide wholesome joy. This Friday’s dish is reminiscent of a childhood comfort food, but utterly packed with nutrients. It’s a perfect meal to wrap up winter baking as we breathe in breezes of a nearing spring. This hearty squash-filled pan is also just right for sharing—perhaps bake half for a neighbor unsuspecting?

Recipe for Cheesey Squash

This post is part of a series on the (Meatless) Fridays in Lent. Click here to learn more about this series, and to see additional recipes.