From the desk of the Tar Heel disciple:
December 9, 2025 (#57)
“Slow Cooking”
A quick inquiry in AI (artificial intelligence) informs the interested reader that “Slow cooking is a versatile cooking method that involves cooking food at a low temperature over an extended period. This technique is ideal for developing deep flavors, tenderizing tough cuts of meat, and creating convenient one-pot meals like stews, soups, and roasts.” It then proceeds to explain the various methods of “slow cooking,” including the use of a crock-pot, the oven, etc. Perhaps the description is analogous to what is possible for the preparation of the heart, mind, and soul of a believer during Advent.
Unfortunately, there is little that feels slow for many people during the pre-Christmas season marked by the Church as Advent. This holy season, which always includes four Sundays, can vary from 21 to 28 days depending upon what date the first Sunday of the sequence falls. (This year is right in the middle at 25 days.) Lent is almost twice as long. Moreover, our culture has made the race to Christmas into a kind of frenzy of shopping, planning, and celebrating. Even the most orthodox Catholic parishes and schools often have a long series of “Christmas parties” for various groups long before the liturgical season of Christmas begins (on Christmas Eve).
With nearly a week of Advent having passed by the time of this post, any honest man or woman can look to see if they're doing what is necessary for their heart, mind, and soul considering the Kingdom which is to come. Spiritual “slow cooking” is still possible, and even required, no matter what our spiritual practices have been (or not been) to date. Practices which might develop a greater knowledge and sensitivity to God’s Word (His “deep flavors”) in our soul and tenderize our hearts (“tough cuts of meat”) can be affirmed and deepened if they are underway or begun afresh if they're not yet part of our lives. And such an affirmation and/or new beginning does not have to end with this upcoming Christmas. This is, after all, an invitation to “slow cooking.”
The season of Advent invites us to ponder the Word of God, especially as proclaimed by the prophets. Among them, Isaiah has a kind of “pride of place” during this holy season. Why not embark on a deep personal study of the words of this prophet? There are many ways to approach this, and many good commentaries to assist us. One such is that written by Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch, Isaiah, in the Catholic Study Bible series from Ignatius Press: https://inhisname.com/products/book-of-isaiah-catholic-study-bible-35032 Our hearts, minds, and souls will certainly benefit by being “tenderized” by the Word of God!
