Politics and the Moral Issues

Dear Parishioners,

Throughout history, politics and religion have started wars.  Therefore, I generally tend to avoid certain subjects that evoke strong feelings, especially when I am trying to have a peaceful meal, or when I am in mixed company (and I am not sure of one’s religious background or political leanings).  I attempt to keep matters civil and usually have a live and let live attitude toward issues that I see as non-essential or less-important.

Regarding politics, currently we are preparing for another presidential election and I think that many, if not most, people have already made up their minds concerning how they will vote.  What I particularly worry about are those who are not informed of the issues (and their various implications) and people who base their decisions on reasons such as a candidate’s likeability or popularity instead of more substantive reasons.  What also intrigues me is those who will vote for a particular candidate solely because of party affiliation.  (I once again state emphatically that I have never sold my soul to any particular political party and I base my vote on the substantive issues, while considering a candidate’s moral character, belief system, voting record, etc.)

Certain issues should be of utmost importance for Catholics (and, in fact, for all people with faith in God as creator).  Where does a candidate’s party stand on abortion, euthanasia (assisted suicide), traditional marriage, freedom of worship, socialism/Marxism, parent’s rights regarding the education of their children, etc.? How one values every human life from conception onward should never be minimized or made equivalent to some lesser issue. 

A candidate’s honesty and integrity need scrutiny.  Will the candidate’s political positions reflect the biblical values and principles that have guided civilization from its earliest days? What does the person’s past track record tell us about future decision making? Is political correctness more important than moral truth?

Regarding religion, I believe that my Catholic faith should guide how I do all things in life.  A properly formed conscience should assist me in my decision making.  This means that my faith, properly articulated and understood, needs to guide and inform my vote.

We have seen biblical examples of those who have stood up to kings and rulers on principle—being anything but politically correct—and were not afraid to speak the truth regardless of personal consequence.  Notable is St. John the Baptist who objected to King Herod’s choice of wife and was ultimately beheaded because of his unwavering stance (see Mk. 6: 14-29).  Our parish patron, St. Thomas More, was also beheaded for standing up to King Henry VIII on principle.

America’s future is going to be shaped by those we choose to represent us in public office—especially the office of President.  I suggest that we become informed of the issues, learn about the candidates (especially from their own words) and current/past actions (and not just what the PC media wants us to hear about them.)  Read the democratic and republican party platforms.  They are very revealing.

What worries me is that my singular vote, which I intend to take the time to make prayerfully and intelligently, can be nullified by someone else’s uninformed vote or by a vote that is motivated by a less-than-altruistic political or social agenda.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

"Sir, Give Us This Bread Always"

Dear Parishioners,

One of the things I enjoy (in the food category) when I vacation on the Caribbean island of St. Maarten /St. Martin, is the fresh baked bread. Every morning you will see a number of people heading to a bakery or local grocery store to get a baguette or some type of fresh baked French bread. The bread is outstanding, in my humble opinion. Crispy crust, soft inside, great taste . . . . Smother it in butter with a cup of coffee and I’m perfectly happy for breakfast.

St. Maarten / St. Martin is the smallest land mass (37 square miles) shared by two sovereign nations. It has no physical borders. There is a Dutch side and a French Side and people go back and forth freely. The island was discovered by Christopher Columbus on the feast of St. Martin of Tours (November 11) in 1493. The island has been arguably referred to as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean and the many great restaurants (French, Italian, etc.) found there are supportive of this claim.

Bread is a staple of life for many people throughout history. In Jesus’ time it was part of the everyday meal as was table wine. He used both of these common elements in an extraordinary way when He was at table with his disciples before His death—the Last Supper.

Bread also had some spiritual significance throughout history for the Jewish and later Christian peoples. The Jewish people eat unleavened bread to commemorate their freedom from Egypt when they had to flee before they had time for the bread to rise (Ex. 34:18).  When the Jews were wandering in the desert after their exodus from Egypt, God gave them manna to eat—mysterious “bread from heaven.” (Ex. 16) The Jews also kept showbread or bread of presence—twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes of Israel—before God in the sanctuary of the Temple. Later, Jesus famously multiplied the loaves and fish, to feed the hungry multitudes as we see in this week’s Gospel passage (Jn. 6:1-15; see also Mt. 14:15-21, Mk. 6:34-42, Lk. 9:13-17). The use of bread comes to a spiritual summit in Jesus’ designation of it as His body at the Last Supper (Mt. 26: 26, Mk. 14:22, Lk. 22:19, 1 Cor. 11:23-24). 

 In the Gospel of St. John, Chapter 6, we read what is referred to as Jesus’ Bread of Life Discourse. It is seen as a commentary on the significance and value of the Most Holy Eucharist. We hear some definitive statements made by Jesus:  I am the bread of life .  .  .  I am the bread that came down from heaven  .  .  .  Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you do not have life within  .  .  .  Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day  .  .  .  My flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink  .  .  . .

The Real Presence of Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist is one of the core teachings of the Catholic faith. We do not believe in some mere symbolic presence, but take Jesus literally--at his word--in our understanding of this mystery. Over the centuries, the term transubstantiation—a change in substance (but not in appearance)—have been used to explain this essential dogma.

When we approach the Most Holy Eucharist, we approach Jesus—our Lord, God and Savior. He deserves our love, reverence and respect.  Like some of the people in the Gospel, our attitude toward the Holy Eucharist should be one of desire, anticipation, thanksgiving and joy: 

“Sir, give us this bread always.” (John 6: 34)

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Our Tumultuous, Fragile World

 

Dear Parishioners,

Last Saturday, while I was eating dinner, I received a text from one of my friends that the former President of the United Sates, Donald J. Trump, was shot. Of course, various questions started coming to mind: Who was the shooter? How did this happen? Is He okay? Why now? Etc.

I have seen numerous videos of the incident since that time while also listening to first hand reports from those who were at the location. There are still far too many unanswered questions about this apparent lone shooter, and I have to wonder sincerely if we will ever get the true and complete story from those investigating the situation. I fear not. Let me just say that there are many, many unusual circumstances surrounding this attempted assassination as well as signs of failure by those charged with protecting the former president.

There was also a man killed in the incident and two others critically wounded. Please pray for Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief, who was shot while protecting family members. The Pennsylvania governor said he “died a hero.”

As I think about what happened last Saturday, I realize that somehow by God’s Divine Providence, the former president was saved from immediate death. There was only an inch or so difference between life and death. Violence has no place in our society, whether it is towards an elected official or some unknown person in the city streets. Extreme violence can also be hidden from the average person’s eyes such as the termination of a baby in the womb. The baby dies nonetheless, and this sadly continues to be championed as something good and a “right” in our society.

I watched the Republican National Convention (July 14-18, Milwaukee, WI) to see that the former president has returned to the spotlight and is apparently in good health. No matter what your personal feelings are towards the man, he has proven to be relentless, strong, and courageous and filled with extraordinary resilience. I continue to pray for him as well as for our current president. I also beseech the Lord on behalf of our nation, which needs much prayer, conversion and a return to Almighty God, as does the entire world.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country and the world goes about its business. The MLB All-Star Game (July 16, Arlington, TX) takes place tonight as I write this column. The National Eucharistic Congress (July 17-21, Indianapolis, IN) also begins this week. I hope to be able to view some of it whenever it is available on live-stream. Finally, the Olympics (July 26-August 11, Paris) will begin at the end of the month.

Wars continue in Ukraine and Gaza. Natural disasters such as the recent Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico will happen again. Let me remind you of some of Jesus’ words to His disciples:

See that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they will deceive many. You will hear of wars and reports of wars; see that you are not alarmed, for these things must happen, but it will not yet be the end. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be famines and earthquakes from place to place. All these are the beginning of the labor pains. Then they will hand you over to persecution, and they will kill you. You will be hated by all nations because of my name. And then many will be led into sin; they will betray and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and deceive many; and because of the increase of evildoing, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. (Mt. 24: 4-13)

Remember, the Lord is still in charge and He expects our fidelity to Him in every circumstance.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Homily for the 15 Sunday in Ordinary Time "B" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

Who Do You Trust?

Dear Parishioners,

With the current 24-hour news cycle, it appears that we are constantly bombarded with news and information—both in the legacy media and by bloggers on the internet. Very often there is a rush to be first at reporting an incident rather than be totally accurate in content. At other times, those “reporting” attempt to create/promote various stories to manipulate the outcome or favored perspective.

Repeatedly, there is often a glaring bias in reporters’ views. Try switching cable channels—from Fox to CNN to MSNBC—and you will notice the obvious difference in reporting. Objectivity too often seems lost. Far too often stories in the press contain inaccuracies, quotes are taken out of context, significant facts are omitted and people are left with a barrage of sound-bites. Is this good journalism? My biggest frustration is when the facts are distorted or purposely omitted. We seem to be lied to constantly and nobody seems able to do anything about it. Don’t we deserve the truth?

In Church matters, we see bishops and cardinals taking sides. Actions coming from the Vatican are questioned as heterodox and divisive. Pope Francis vs. Archbishop Vigano? Sexual cover-ups and financial improprieties are the subject of investigative reports and of gossip behind closed doors. Things seem an unholy mess.  

If I continue this line of thought into US politics, I find it difficult to trust too many of the candidates—especially with the US presidential election just around the corner. Obvious adversaries somehow become ardent supporters of one another. Are we supposed to believe in some miraculous reconciliation without some consideration of possible future political appointments or favors?

One presidential candidate’s very own words state how good a Catholic he is, while at the same time unapologetically supporting abortion on demand, same-sex marriage, in vitro fertilization, contraception, etc. Something just doesn’t jive here. His current mental capacity and possible family corruption are concerning topics worthy of further investigation.  

The other party’s candidate is described by his adversaries as a tyrant, a convicted felon, an insurrectionist, a narcissist, or even the reincarnation of Hitler. In contrast, his supporters see him as a strong leader, a tireless worker and a victim of political persecution. 

Exactly where is the truth in all these matters?

When searching for the truth, we need to look to Jesus.  We need to ponder the Gospel teaching and its eternal wisdom:

 

And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God. (Jn. 3: 19-21)

When no wrong is done, there is absolutely nothing to hide. There is no need for continual silence, stalling tactics, deflection, or cover-ups. This is true in politics, church management, and in a person’s personal life and morality. 

May God please save us and have mercy on us. 

In Him alone do I trust.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Jesus I Trust in You

Homily for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time "B" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

Homily for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time "B" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

Summertime, Summertime . . .

 

Dear Parishioners,

I find it quite disturbing for me to address some of the matters concerning the lack of modesty found in society today. Let me begin by saying that I was not raised in an atmosphere where I lived a sheltered life. I may have been exposed, sadly, to just about everything humanly imaginable as a youth.

I grew up in Wildwood, NJ. My parents owned a hotel, motel, apartments and a restaurant. I frequented the beach and boardwalk. People rented rooms in our establishment with their families, spouses, significant others, mistresses, complete strangers, etc. We lived across the street from a bar notoriously known to have served alcohol to those underage. Drugs were available and used all around the neighborhood. Regrettably, I was far from naive when it came to things of the world. It is a miracle itself that I became a priest.

With all of this past history in mind, I was shocked on my recent Caribbean cruise to see many bathing suits that could have passed for band-aids. Dare I say there was a lack of modesty? I have come to the conclusion that most people look much better with their clothes on. The magic mirror some may have been looking at was not the same as what my eyes were seeing.

Unfortunately, traces of this lack of modesty permeates even our churches (and schools). Short-shorts (we used to call them hotpants in my day), excessive skin exposure (legs or cleavage) are certainly not appropriate for Mass attendance. We should not dress like we are going to the beach or boardwalk. Manner of dress should be befitting the dignity of being in the presence of Almighty God because we are doing just that!

The sexualization of youth worldwide is appalling and our young people should be taught that their bodies are not for display, let alone for perverts to gawk at. Parents need to be parents. No is an option.

Let me conclude by quoting two sections from the Catechism of the Catholic Church for your reflection: purity and modesty.

Purity requires modesty, an integral part of temperance. Modesty protects the intimate center of the person. It means refusing to unveil what should remain hidden. It is ordered to chastity to whose sensitivity it bears witness. It guides how one looks at others and behaves toward them in conformity with the dignity of persons and their solidarity. (#2521)

Modesty protects the mystery of persons and their love. It encourages patience and moderation in loving relationships; it requires that the conditions for the definitive giving and commitment of man and woman to one another be fulfilled. Modesty is decency. It inspires one's choice of clothing. It keeps silence or reserve where there is evident risk of unhealthy curiosity. It is discreet. (#2522)

I wish that I did not need to bring this topic to anyone's attention. However, I would be negligent as a spiritual father to pretend that certain situations do not exist all around us.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Jesus Thirsts

 

Dear Parishioners,

Recently, I took the time to see the film Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist. It had a short run in the theaters in our area as many independent religious films often do. However, I was truly impressed with the quality and content of the film. Providentially, I viewed it the day before we began our 40 Hours devotion here in St. Thomas More Parish.  It was a wonderful preparation for me as I would begin spending time with the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist over the next three days.

I am not in the business of film promotion, but I take the time to recommend this film as a catechetical tool to help understand what Catholics believe about the Holy Eucharist. I find that so many people are woefully ignorant about many important aspects of the faith—even those with impressive degrees in various fields other than theology. Our society’s understanding of the Holy Eucharist has been greatly influenced by the many other Christian denominations and sects that teach something not in agreement with long-standing Catholic thought.

Let me make one point abundantly clear: the Holy Eucharist is not merely a symbol or reminder of Christ. It is Christ Himself. I do not genuflect to a piece of bread, but to the Lord Jesus, whether on the altar or in the tabernacle. Everyone in the pews should not be invited or encouraged to come up to receive the Lord (Who is God) without a proper understanding of what is being done and certainly Who we are receiving. We are not distributing the Holy Eucharist like some object that everyone in the church is entitled to get. We, as sinners, are all unworthy to approach God. However, Jesus is given to us as believers to nourish and sustain us by the direction and command of the Lord Himself. Do this in memory of Me.  

Please remember Catholics should be in the state of grace when receiving Holy Communion (not conscious of any grave or mortal sin unconfessed in the Sacrament of Penance). Far too often I am dismayed by the manner in which the Lord is received, reminding me more of a person taking and putting a snack in the mouth. How many times at funerals or other Masses with many unchurched visitors where I have had to follow the person down the aisle because they took the consecrated host with them down the aisle and did not receive it immediately in my presence. I also witness those who try to grab the Holy Eucharist or do not know what to do when receiving Holy Communion, where I have to ask: Are you Catholic?

Yes, we are in the midst of a time of Eucharistic Revival in our nation. So let this revival begin with you and me. We need to make sure we are adequately prepared to receive the Lord by being in the state of grace and fasting from food and drink for a minimum of an hour beforehand. We should receive reverently and not grab and go. When receiving on the tongue (which has actually been the Church’s preferred option as we were permitted to receive in the hand in this country by an indult) stick your tongue out fully and close your eyes. I will be sure that the host finds its proper place on the tongue.

Make a proper thanksgiving afterwards in silence. The traditional adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, and supplication (ACTS) is a good guideline to follow. Also remember the fact that people come to church primarily to pray and worship. Extended conversation should be in the vestibule or outside of the body of the church to allow those who wish to pray in church to do so.

If we all do our part as individuals, maybe our actions will witness to others that we believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Homily for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time "B" - Fr. Edward Namiotka