Fridays in Lent

In the evening Jesus said 'Let us cross to the other side.' A gale began and the waves were swamping the boat. Jesus was asleep, and the disciples called out 'Master, don't you care? We're sinking!' He woke and said 'Be calm!' And all was calm again. And Jesus said to the disciples 'Why are you so frightened? Have you no faith?' Mark 4:35-41

Storm in the Sea of Galilee - Rembrandt

Lord, like the disciples in the boat,
suddenly overwhelmed by the storm,
so panic can overcome me like waves.

Their boat was sinking
and the disciples cried out in fear.
You calmed the storm
and all was peace again.

Lord, save me, too!
lest the waves overwhelm me,
and I sink away from you.

Help my faith, Lord!
help me to entrust my whole life,
my whole being, my whole future,
to you and your loving care!

Help me to let go the things
that hold me back
from trusting in you.
Lord, calm my storm within.
Amen.

from: a Lenten Journey with Jesus in Galilee
The Prayer Trust

Fridays in Lent

Today's soup receipe is a great favourite of mine:

Spicy Parsnip Soup

• olive oil
• knob of butter
• 1 large onion, peeled and roughly chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
• small piece of fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 6 parsnips, peeled and chopped into chunks
• 500ml milk
• 1 litre vegetable stock
• salt and pepper

Heat a splash of olive oil and the butter in a large saucepan. Add the onion, garlic, ginger and garam masala. Gently fry for around 10 minutes, until the onions are soft and sweet.

Drop in the chopped parsnip and stir together so that everything gets coated in the oil and flavours. Pour in the milk and stock, season well and bring to the boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for 30 minutes with a lid on.

After half an hour, check that the parsnips are cooked by sticking a knife in. If you’re happy, remove them from the heat and carefully whiz up using a hand blender or liquidizer. Taste the soup to see if it needs a little more salt or pepper.

From Jamie Oliver
www.jamieoliver.com