Dear
Parishioners,
Last week I went to a family's home for a celebration after
their child had received First Holy Communion.
Once there, I did what I frequently do:
I looked around and simply observed. I noticed certain religious objects in the
rooms and on the walls. Statues of saints, sacred pictures and images, a
crucifix and various other objects of devotion told me I was in a Catholic
home. Respectfully, the family waited to
eat until I prayed grace before the
meal. Impressive, in my opinion.
I tend to walk the beach a lot in the summer. I certainly see many, many interesting sights along the way. (Just an unspoken thought here: people frequently look better with
clothes on.) Believe it or not, I
actually look to see if anyone is wearing a Miraculous Medal, a cross or crucifix or some other outward sign that the person is a
Christian. Unfortunately, the sightings
are quite rate. I see more gold chains,
amulets or talisman (e.g., cornicello
or corno), and various types of
jewelry.
What name is given to a child? I look for a Christian or biblical name--especially
when I baptize. While there are many
innovative, unique and creative names given to children these days, I see less
and less traditionally Christian and/or biblical names. I hope that those baptized in more recent
days without those traditional Christian names will become the saints of tomorrow and future
generations will want to take their
names. (First, the challenge is getting
them and their parents in Church and going regularly to Mass.)
I admit that I do not always
wear my clerical garb in public (especially at the beach or on vacation). I notice, however, when I do people look (and sometimes stare). I--standing six
foot, six inches and weighing 250+ pounds--naturally attract notice anyway. Add a roman collar and traditional black
clothing and people notice even more. I
will sometimes get the "hello Father" or "hello pastor"
greeting. Sometimes people even step
back and let me in front of them in line (making me feel a bit awkward). Clerical garb or a habit was often an outward sign for people to remind us all
of a commitment to Christ made through sacred vows or promises.
(As an aside, our churches are also meant to raise our hearts
and minds to God and to be places of prayer and worship. When they are constructed "to look like Pizza Huts" (to quote a former
professor), when they take on a talkative, auditorium atmosphere, when we
forget about or minimize the idea of sacred
or holy space, then we run the risk of trivializing that which should be set
apart for God. That is actually
the meaning of holy. Remember what Jesus did in the Jerusalem
Temple when He saw that things were completely out of hand. (See Jn. 2: 12-22)
My observations and thoughts are not directed to anyone in
particular. However, I think that we all
need continual, external, visible reminders of our Christian faith in a world
frequently more hostile to Christianity and Christians. While people especially need to recognize
Christ in our actions, varying outward signs--when properly understood
and used--can help us Christianize a
secular world. After all, our entire
sacramental life employs outward signs
(pouring of water, oil, bread and wine, etc.) to indicate a much deeper spiritual
reality.
So don't be embarrassed to wear that Miraculous Medal, to display a crucifix in the home, or to say grace in public. (Don't forget that
there may be others who come to church to pray and spend time with the Blessed
Sacrament, and not just shoot the breeze. Please respect their sacred time and
space.) Let's try to do our part to
accentuate and promote our Christian faith.
We all need to be missionary disciples and to evangelize.
Fr. Ed Namiotka
Pastor
