Food for the journey
Featuring some delicious summer bounty
In three different Gospel passages on our liturgical calendar for the month of July, Jesus sends his apostles out on mission. They are to go simply – “two by two,” with no money or second tunic, curing illness and proclaiming the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
We know that Jesus’ first disciples, and the countless others who followed their example in the mission of the early Church, depended on the hospitality of fellow Christians along the way. But they did need food for their journey, perhaps often accepting just simple bread and water.
They also needed spiritual nourishment on this all-important mission to spread the Good News of Jesus throughout the towns and villages: “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” (Mt 4:4) These words are as true for us as they were for the first disciples whom Jesus sent. We follow in Jesus’ footsteps by nourishing ourselves with Scripture and the Eucharist. And we fortify our bodies with our daily bread.
After one of the disciples’ missionary journeys, Jesus said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” (Mk 6:31) Our work is important, but so is our rest. Take some time this summer to slow down and escape to a place with friends and family to enjoy the bounty of summer with this delicious-looking tomato sandwich! It is simple, yet satisfying.
Not many foods can compete with the delicious simplicity of a ripe tomato bursting with the flavor of summer. Whether it’s a hearty Beefsteak tomato that requires two hands to hold its weighty delight or a small, exquisitely sweet cherry tomato, there is a joy found in this versatile fruit that sings of summer happiness.
Like most fruits and vegetables, tomatoes can be found all year in the grocery store, but tomato aficionados know the grocery store tomato doesn’t compare to a tomato grown in gardens or fields warmed on the vine by the summer sun.
Enjoy this summer delight while fortifying both body and soul for the journey!
Gourmet Tomato Sandwich
Recipe By Tina Folkertsma
- Sourdough or other special bakery loaf
- Herbed cream cheese or mayonnaise
- Ripe, seasonal tomatoes
With a serrated knife, cut bread into generous slices – toast if preferred.
Spread one side of each slice with a favorite herbed cheese from the grocery (or make your own with fresh chopped chives or other herbs folded into cream cheese or mayonnaise).
Slice tomatoes from the stem/top side down, or slice laterally for the classic “burger” cut. Layer on top of the cream cheese and sprinkle with any seasoning of your choice. Enjoy open-faced or top with another piece of bread.
