Day 13 - Corned Beef and Cabbage

As you may know, I do love an unusual national day. The obvious one to choose today, on March 17th, would be St Patrick’s day – but then why would I be that obvious!!

Apparently, it is also the day to celebrate two food items that I cannot stand – Corned Beef and Cabbage … Now I would ask, who in their right mind would want to celebrate either one, or even worse, the two of these products together.

But then looking into this phenomenon, the reason is revealed, along with the timing, which relates it very closely to the more obvious choice for the day. It is a day that the Irish immigrants to the USA thought of home on St Patrick’s Day and the dish was created to fit the budget of Irish Americans who were not able to afford their favourite pork and potatoes dish.

This dish became a firm favourite and is often eaten all over the United States, and other parts of the world, on St Patrick’s Day. It was even served at the Inauguration Dinner of President Lincoln in 1862. Interestingly, National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day is not a day celebrated in Ireland, but by those of Irish descent in other parts of the world.

On this Mindful Monday, I wonder if it gives us a chance to stop and reflect on where we have come from – another nation, another county, another town even? Where do we consider home? What do we do to keep our links to home?

The first 4 verses of Psalm 84 say:

How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the LORD.

With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.

Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar, O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!

What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises.

Our home is truly with God and in God. What a wonderful reality to reflect on today and to be mindful of as we travel through the day.

And, for the avoidance of any doubt, and even knowing the history and meaning, I’m sorry, but I won’t be having corned beef and/or cabbage for my tea tonight!

Catherine Booton