Homily for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time "C" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

Learning Humility

Dear Parishioners,

When I was a seminarian preparing for ordination to the Priesthood, I thought that it might be a good idea to pray for humility.  It seemed, at the time, to be a wise aspiration.

Gradually, things were brought to my attention concerning the topic of humility—now on a somewhat regular basis. I heard things said to me like: Be careful of what you pray for, you might get it and The quickest way to humility is through humiliation.

On the day of the senior class graduation from the college seminary, there was a well-planned Baccalaureate Mass. I happened to be the sacristan of the seminary chapel at the time. I would be the person leading the reader to his appropriate place at the pulpit during the proclamation of the readings from Sacred Scripture. The chapel was packed. Family and friends, the entire faculty and various dignitaries were present for this momentous occasion. The homily was thoroughly prepared by the priest assigned to preach, based primarily on the first reading, which I later found out had been chosen from the book of the Prophet Jeremiah.

I led the reader to the pulpit after making the appropriate bows. As we looked at the Lectionary and the reading set open in front of us, he whispers to me, “This isn’t the right reading.” In a state of panic I said quickly and without much thought: “Well . . . read it anyway.” I instructed him to read the incorrect reading in front of everyone. It was from the Acts of the Apostles. It had multiple difficult names to pronounce. The homily, I came to find out, had been based almost entirely on the reading from the Prophet Jeremiah. I was humiliated. I guess I began to learn humility.

Fast forward to when I initially became a principal of a diocesan high school. It was the night of the open house. I was hurrying around the buildings trying to make sure the bathrooms looked clean and presentable for any guests. I began to clean things up. Not really a pleasant job for anyone, I thought. Then I recalled the brilliant words of advice that I had given to my students at various times:  Stay in school. Get your degrees so that you don’t wind up cleaning bathrooms for a living. Who was it now cleaning bathrooms? Humility? Hmm . . .

At other times humility kicks in as well. One Sunday the deacon had preached during the Mass that I offered. We went to the back of church to greet the people as they exited. “Great homily Father!” One particular gentleman had said that right to my face with all seriousness. I hadn’t preached at that Mass.  He hadn’t a clue. Great homily . . .  Oh well! Humility . . .

Be sure to heed the words from a passage from St. Mark's Gospel:

[Jesus and his disciples] came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” (Mk. 9: 33-35)

May I also add my own words of caution when praying for something (like humility): Be very careful; you might actually get what you pray for!

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

The Narrow Gate

"Lord, will only a few people be saved?" [Jesus] answered them, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. . . .” 

(Lk. 13: 23-24)

Dear Parishioners,

For many years this passage from Sacred Scripture has really troubled me.  What if those who find the road to (eternal) life are actually few?  In this day and age when many (most?) people are canonized at a funeral, when society refuses to be told what to do because of a type of unbridled freedom (actually license), when the moral credibility of the Church has eroded to the point of collapse, and when the most severe sin in our culture has become lack of tolerance, shouldn’t we be a wee bit concerned?

What exactly constitutes the narrow gate?  Bear with me as I do a bit of soul searching.  Traditionally, there have been certain sins that by their nature are considered grave matter—one of the three necessary components of mortal sin. Such sins include (but are not limited to) murder, rape, incest, adultery, perjury, blasphemy, idolatry, sacrilege, fornication, masturbation, euthanasia, abortion, apostasy, homosexual acts, prostitution, et. al.  Realizing also that there is the necessity of sufficient reflection (knowledge) and full consent of the will, people who commit these acts risk being in a state of mortal sin.  In other words, if they die unrepentant of these sins they risk eternal damnation (the fires of hell).

Now let’s take a step further into other more common occurrences of potential mortal sin.  The Church has traditionally declared that it is a mortal sin to intentionally miss Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.  What of the approximately 80-90% of Catholics who no longer practice their faith regularly?  A wide path? 

The Catholic Church teaches that the use of artificial birth control is a mortal sin.  Some contraceptives (types of the “pill”) are actually abortifacient in nature, meaning that a fertilized egg (post-conception) is prevented from embedding itself in the mother’s womb.  Hence, a mini or microscopic abortion may have occurred.  Nonetheless, those who use any artificial birth control risk being in mortal sin. One headline I googled while writing this article stated boldly: Most Catholic Women in U.S. Use Birth Control. Another article by the Catholic News Agency (CNA) examined: Why do so Many Catholics Use Contraception? Experts Weigh In. Again, a wide path?

What then do we do with the number of people who use sex recreationally and sleep with each other outside of the context of marriage, or cohabitate outside of marriage, or are in a second marriage “outside” of the Church (divorce and re-marriage without an annulment)?  What about homosexuals who engage in sexual activity, regardless of whether or not they have some “committed” relationship?  What about the rampant use of internet pornography (frequently accompanied with masturbation)?  Sexually active teens?  Sexually active college students?  Friends with benefits?  If all of these people are in grave (mortal) sin, again we seem to have a wide path here.

I conclude this reflection with the scene of the final judgment in St. Matthew’s gospel (Mt. 25:31-46).  Read it when you get a chance.  In essence, the separation of the sheep from the goats involves a condemnation to eternal punishment for failing to do good to/for others.  There is no mention here of any of the grave sins listed above.  Rather there is damnation for what someone fails to do.  Another wide path? 

I suggest we all be a little more hesitant before we assume that somehow we all automatically go to heaven. There is a reason that Jesus called for repentance and conversion.  And this message is meant for all of us!

Enter through the narrow gate . . .

Fr. Ed Namiotka
Pastor

“I Have Come to Cast Fire Upon the Earth”

Dear Parishioners,

The Gospel reading for this Sunday (Lk. 12: 49-53) might make a person very uncomfortable or even troubled. If you have been fed a type of sugar-sweet Jesus most of your life—being presented only with an ultra-compassionate, always-forgiving, never-judgmental savior—then you could seriously doubt that Jesus would ever say such things. One reaction to this Gospel might be to gloss over it quickly. Let’s pretend that it does not exist. This is not the Jesus I know.  He is merciful, forgiving, and patient. He prays in St. John’s Gospel (17:21) “that they all may be one. . . .” He would never want any division among us.

There’s a problem when we do not see the more complete picture of Jesus as presented in the Gospels. Jesus is the one who called the scribes and Pharisees a brood of vipers (Mt. 12:34), hypocrites and white-washed tombs (Mt. 23: 27). He told us to pluck out our eyes and to cut off our hands (Mt. 5: 29-30) to avoid sin. He made a whip out of cords and overturned the money changers tables in the temple (Jn. 2: 13-16). He called Peter, his close friend, “Satan” and told him to get behind Him (Mt. 16:23). In the Gospel this Sunday, He speaks about casting fire on the earth and creating division—even within families. What gives?

How we react to Jesus’ teaching might just depend on how we are living our lives. Jesus sometimes has to jolt people out of complacency or erroneous thinking: “You are thinking not as God does but as human beings do.” (Mt. 16:23) He requires a radical change in our way of living when we are headed to eternal destruction: “Go [and] from now on do not sin any more.” (Jn. 8: 11) He demands things from us that are not appealing: “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and pick up his cross daily and follow me.” (Lk. 9:23) One thing that can be determined upon thorough investigation: Jesus was not some pushover and his teaching inevitably made an impact on people. “ . . . For he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.” (Mt. 7: 29)

Jesus’ chosen path to freeing us from sin and eternal damnation was through the cross. It involved suffering and a sacrificial love. It involved the Son of God being put to death by His creatures. His life and teaching cast a fire upon the earth. He jolted those who were complacent in their sin. He upset the status quo and the religious leaders of His time. And some totally resented Him. Some wanted to see Him dead. Crucify Him! Crucify Him!

The reaction today to Jesus’ teaching and to his actions can and does create division in families, in communities, and in nations throughout the world. The call to conversion and repentance does not necessarily bring peace to those resistant to change. People can become very, very comfortable in their sin. "Nobody is going to tell me what to do." Some might follow Him, while others reject Him. His moral requirements require a decision from us. If one tries to straddle the fence, it promises not to go well. “I know your works; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” (Rev. 3: 15-16)

Does Jesus’ teaching upset you?

Is it hard to take?

Will you resist His challenges or acknowledge them and be willing to change?

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Homily for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time "C" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

The Assumption and the "Wedding of the Sea"

Atlantic City

Dear Parishioners,

There is a Holy Day of Obligation coming up next week: the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. Catholics are obligated to attend Mass this day just as they are every Sunday (Saturday).

The Assumption celebrates the Blessed Virgin Mary, after her earthly life was complete, being taken up body and soul into Heaven. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC):

“Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death.” The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son's Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians. . . . (CCC, #966)

Growing up in Wildwood, NJ leaves me with many fond memories. One of these was the celebration of the vigil of the Assumption at St. Ann’s Church each August 14^th. When I was young, the Vigil Mass was usually packed (standing room only). St. Ann’s could hold approximately 3000 people and I can recall seeing it year after year wall to wall with people. Unlike the famous celebration in Atlantic City which took place during the day on August 15^th, the Wildwood tradition was a vigil Mass followed by a candlelight procession down Glenwood Avenue to the beach for the Wedding of the Sea ceremony. For many years, Bishop Sullivan would preside during this ceremony in both locations. This will be the first time for Bishop Williams, as the Ordinary of our diocese, to officiate at these festivities.

At many seashore towns, the Assumption has become somehow tied into the Wedding of the Sea ceremony which had an entirely different history and origin. Apparently the custom found its way here from a couple of Venetian historical commemorations and a ceremony in which the Doge (chief magistrate) of Venice would "marry" the sea each year, and throw a blessed ring into the lagoon as a sign of eternal fidelity. (Interestingly, the original Venetian ceremony apparently took place in conjunction with the celebration of the Ascension of Our Lord rather than the Assumption).

The Press of Atlantic City reported a variation of the origin of the custom:

According to tradition, the ceremony commemorates an event in the life of the Bishop of Cervia in Italy, Paul Barbo who later became Pope Paul II. The Bishop is said to have been returning by ship from Venice on the Feast of the Assumption in 1445 when he was caught in a storm. The Bishop, it is said, calmed the storm by prayer and throwing his pastoral ring into the sea. (6/16/10)

Throughout history, it was not unusual that Christians would attempt to “Christianize” various secular customs and traditions. No matter what the exact origin of the Wedding of the Sea is, as we celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, it is more important to recall the honored place that Mary, the Mother of God, has in salvation history and that her life on earth was worthy of an eternal reward in Heaven. Where Mary has gone, we hope to follow!  

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Venice

Treasure in Heaven

Gythion, Greece

Dear Parishioners,

Our cruise in the Mediterranean is coming to an end as I write this bulletin article. Visiting seven countries (Spain, France, Italy, Vatican City, Malta, Tunisia, and Greece) in a short span of time was quite the challenging task. However, our floating hotel, the Holland America Oosterdam proved a worthy means of accomplishing our journey. As stated last week, I travel with a brother priest, Fr. Larry Polansky.

We are currently anchored off the shore of Greece. To reach the little port town (Gythion) we need to take a tender (small transport boat). I would rather just walk off the ship, but small ports often necessitate the tender process when it comes to cruise ships.

While waiting for the transport to shore to begin, I glanced at this Sunday's Gospel passage and readings. Jesus relates a parable regarding storing up treasure in heaven. Hhmm . . . I have just seen a multitude of beautiful countries, cities, and towns. Spending much time in various cathedrals and churches, I continue to be in awe of the works of art contained in each, in addition to their ornate, massive structures. I walked through the immense Vatican museum, gazed at the ceiling and walls of the Sistine chapel, and marveled at the beauty of Michelangelo's Pieta. Concentrating especially on works of art primarily intended to glorify Almighty God, I pondered how they will all pass away some day. No matter how beautiful, they are only temporary and intended for this world.

What really matters in the grand schema of things? . . . The spiritual, the eternal, those treasures in heaven. The Catholic churches all had a Blessed Sacrament chapel or chapels. It soon became obvious to me how many people are truly unaware of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. Tourists walk by the Tabernacle often without any acknowledgement or realization that Jesus is there. Yes, the buildings and works of art are beautiful and should be photographed or captured on video. Yet, Jesus is there, right in front of us all. He is God. He will reign for all eternity.

For a brief moment during each hectic day, I would often stop to pray where I could find some private space. The hurried movement, the noise, the pushing and shoving, and all of the other elements and traits of travel and tourism can get to a person. To find that quiet space, whether it ideally be in a church before the Blessed Sacrament, or a corner of the ship away from the massive crowds, a person needs to realize what is truly important in life, its treasures. The intimate relationship with Almighty God in prayer is more valuable than all of the sightseeing adventures and works of art. The opportunity to offer Mass for the group of fellow travelers was another blessing given us on the journey. To meet and get to know some fellow passengers – like a Catholic deacon and his wife and a Jewish doctor and his wife – and many others, added to the blessings of the journey, its treasures. And to travel with a brother priest who had never been to Europe or on a cruise . . . Blessing? Curse? Both? The jury is still out. (Only kidding, Fr. Larry.)

As you read this, I should be back in the parish offering the Sunday Mass (barring any unforeseen circumstance). Once again I get to experience another spiritual treasure afforded to a priest and pastor –ministering to my congregation and seeing my parishioners! It will be good to be back home!

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

The Holland America Oosterdam

Homily for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time "C" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

A Couple "Pilgrims of Hope"

Fr. Larry and me

Dear Parishioners,

It's been a few years since I was in Europe. The last time was a pilgrimage to Oberammergau in 2022 for its well-known Passion Play. Now I write on my way to Italy (and other countries) during this Jubilee Year as a Pilgrim of Hope. I travel with another priest with whom I was assigned when I was pastor in Somers Point, Fr. Larry Polansky.

Our journey began in the city of Barcelona, Spain. What a magnificent place to see! We visited the 13th century Cathedral dedicated to the Holy Cross and St. Eulalia at the heart of the Gothic quarter of the city. St. Eulalia was a young martyr who died in Barcelona in the 3rd century for not renouncing her Christian faith. Then we walked to the nearby 14th century Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar (St. Mary of the Sea). Finally, we were able to concelebrate an international Mass at the famous Basilica of La Sagrada Familia (the Holy Family). The Sagrada Família is a basilica designed in 1883 by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí in a modernist style. It is perhaps the most recognized church in the city, popular with tourists. Two of these churches are designated as pilgrimage sights for this Jubilee Year by the Archdiocese of Barcelona.

During the Mass at La Sagrada Familia, two of the young altar servers left quite the impression on both Fr. Polansky and me. Multiple languages were used during the Mass, while the Mass parts were primarily in Latin. The two boys seated directly behind us proudly responded in beautiful Latin and sang with strong, clear voices. After Mass, we asked them about themselves. They told us they were both from Ukraine and they introduced us to both of their mothers. Please pray for Julian and Sasha as there might be the beginning of a vocation there.

We boarded a cruise ship at the port of Barcelona with our next stop in Cannes, France. The city famous for its annual film festival, is nestled along the French Rivera. There we visited Église Notre-Dame d'Espérance (the Church of Our Lady of Hope). Perched above the city in the old town (Le Sequet), the church construction was completed in 1627. While the view from the church was stunning, getting there involved an uphill climb and many, many stairs. Along the way we met a young American couple on vacation trying to manage about five heavy pieces of luggage (one with a broken wheel) up those same stairs in the 90 plus degree heat. God bless them!

Today (Tuesday) we are off to Genoa, Italy. Scheduled are visits to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Church of the Jesu. While I have been in Italy a few times before, Genoa is not a place I have visited yet.

Later in the week we journey to the Eternal City with St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican as the primary destination. Pope Leo XIV is at Castel Gandolfo for the summer, so we do not expect to see him.

The final leg of the journey includes Malta, Tunisia and Greece.

Incidentally, there is no official priest functioning as the cruise chaplain, so Fr. Polansky and I volunteered our services to celebrate Mass for the Catholics on board.

See you when I return.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Cathedral dedicated to the Holy Cross and St. Eulalia, Barcelona

Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, Barcelona

La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Martha And Mary

Dear Parishioners,

Most of us are probably familiar with the two sisters Martha and Mary from our reading of Sacred Scripture.

When Jesus visited them, Martha was busy about the household tasks while Mary sat and listened to Jesus. When Martha complained to Jesus that Mary was not helping her, Jesus replied that “Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” (Luke 10:42)

Without realizing it, many of us probably go through something similar in our lives. We experience the need to do things and may put off or seriously neglect the need to sit quietly and reflect. I think that there is a tension that often occurs between the need for contemplation in a world so filled with action.

While sitting in front of the Blessed Sacrament when I should be praying, I can find my mind drifting with various concerns and things that have to be done: Why are there so few people during the weekend Masses? The church roof still needs to be replaced. Will we have enough income each week to pay the bills? The air conditioning didn’t seem cold enough last weekend. I am supposed to be praying but these and other worries and concerns still pop into my mind.

I am reminded from examples of the lives of saints like St. Pope John Paul II and St. (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta that prayer needs to come first before any action is ever carried out. Despite their unbelievable schedules and workload, both of them were known to have spent hours each day in front of the Blessed Sacrament. It was from their intense prayer life and love of the Lord Jesus truly present in the Blessed Sacrament that the fruit of their labor became so rich and apparent to all.

For the past year or so I have been offering Mass for the Poor Clare Sisters in Chesterfield, NJ (near Bordentown). They are a community of contemplative religious sisters who live their vocations with much prayer and solitude. From a worldly or secular perspective, some may not see their lives as productive or useful. However, it is contemplative communities like theirs who are a source of spiritual power and strength for the rest of us. They remind me to slow down from the rapid pace and busyness to which we have become accustomed.

I find the Trappist monks, where I usually make my annual retreat, to be the same. They are a community of priests and brothers who live in prayerful solitude at the monastery. Their prayer and work (ora et labora) illustrates for me both Martha (work) and Mary (prayer or contemplation).    

So don’t ever think that you are too busy to take the time to pray and reflect. Find time to spend in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Our chapel is open weekdays for prayer and adoration. We all need quality time with the Lord and it is from the time with Him that we will find the time and strength to do the other things that we think so urgently need to get done.

The better option is spending time with Jesus. 

Just ask Mary.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor