Sunset at the beach on vacation
Dear Parishioners,
Some people may find it hard to
believe—since I have to do it practically everyday of my life now—but one
of the greatest fears in my life was speaking
in public. When I initially contemplated a priestly vocation, I
actually thought that it would be great being a priest—just as long as I didn’t
have to say anything publicly. I know that this particular fear exists
for many people. I have worked to overcome my anxiety over the years,
with God’s grace.
That being said, I still very
much like being quiet and alone at times. Whether in
my room, driving in my car, praying in church, or walking along the beach, I
like my quiet time. Basically, I am an introvert. This means that usually I get re-energized when I
am alone. It’s not that I don’t like being around people or haven’t been
able to develop the necessary interpersonal skills required as a
priest. Extroverts get
recharged being around people. I am just the opposite.
I think that knowing who I am and
trying to understand myself, helps me to comprehend some of the decisions that
I make. Why do I gravitate towards a
silent, monastic retreat? Why do I find so much solace praying quietly in
front of the Blessed Sacrament? Why do I usually vacation in places
where I can find quiet and peace of mind? (Why am I writing this to you
from one of those quiet places now?)
I am on a brief vacation right
now recharging my battery. (Although I recently arrived at the
parish, my vacation had been arranged well before I would be assigned to
Woodbury.) I like the beach—having grown
up at the Jersey shore in Wildwood—and so I frequently spend time near an ocean
or shore. For a brief time, I will be alone (with God, of course!). I have already met up with a few friends who
usually vacation when I do so that I am not completely by myself. My ultimate goal is to be refreshed and
renewed when I return to the parish. I have time to pray (especially
the Mass as I bring my travelling Mass-kit with me),
to read, to write, to exercise and just to relax.
Reflecting on Jesus’ life, He too
was found at various places—by the sea (Mt. 4:18), in the wilderness (Lk. 5: 16), up the mountain (Mk. 6: 45-46, Lk. 6: 12), in the garden (Lk. 22: 39-46)—where He could
pray, reflect and be alone. I suspect He knew best how to find the
necessary quiet time after days of preaching, teaching and active ministry.
I usually find that it
does me a world of good to withdraw from the daily routine for some
extended time and to find a corner of the world where I can recharge my inner
battery. Besides, the parish staff
(wherever I've been) usually agrees that I am much more pleasant and easier to
work with after some time away! Just think of how good this vacation time is for them!
See you in another week!
Fr. Ed
Namiotka
Pastor
Getting ready to celebrate a private Mass
No comments:
Post a Comment