Homily for the Mass of the Lord's Supper (Holy Thursday) "A" 2026 - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

Holy Week and Easter 2026

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend we begin the most sacred week of the year for Christians. We recall Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. We are reminded of all that God has done for us in sending us His Only Begotten Son.

Palm Sunday recalls Jesus’ triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem. His royal reception sees Him being lauded by the crowd: Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest. (Mt. 21:9) However, entering Jerusalem meant that Jesus was now ready to begin His bitter passion and to face death on a cross. The crowd quickly turned on Him as they chanted: Let him be crucified! . . . Let him be crucified! (Mt. 27:  22-23) We can see how quickly any glory and honor that the world may have for any of us can change to ridicule, scorn and even hatred. Sic transit gloria mundi.

On Holy Thursday (7:00 PM Mass) we recall the Last Supper where Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist and the Ministerial Priesthood. Priesthood and the Holy Eucharist are intimately connected: without the Priesthood, there would be no Holy Eucharist. Jesus’ actions also remind us of the call to service displayed by the mandatum or washing of the apostles’ feet. Do you realize what I have done for you?  You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am.   If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.  I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do. (Jn. 13: 12-15) The Blessed Sacrament will remain in the repository in our chapel until 10 PM, where there is time for silent prayer and adoration.

The liturgy of the Passion of the Lord on Good Friday (3 PM Service) has 3 main components: a reading of the passion account from St. John’s gospel followed by various intercessions, veneration of the cross and Holy Communion. Masses are not offered on Good Friday. In addition, the Stations of the Cross will be observed in the chapel at 7 PM. (This day remains a day of fast—one full meal—and abstinence from meat.)

The Easter Vigil (7:30 PM Mass) is not intended as a Mass to be rushed through quickly. (Please note: Mass usually lasts minimally about 2 hours.) There are so many beautiful parts that, if done reverently and properly, should not be hurried or omitted. We begin with a lighting of the Easter fire and a candlelight ceremony. Then follows the singing of the Exultet or Easter Proclamation. Salvation history is traced through a series of readings as the congregation is reminded of how God has continued to work in and through every age. After the readings comes the time to bring new members into the Catholic Church through Baptism and the reception of other Sacraments of Initiation—Confirmation & Holy Communion. (Unfortunately, there are no candidates or catechumens in our parish for the vigil Mass this year. We certainly need to encourage others among our family and friends who are not Catholic to consider becoming Catholic.) The Easter water is blessed at this time and sprinkled on the congregation as we renew our baptismal promises. Finally, Mass continues in normal fashion with the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Please consider participation in these liturgies of the Easter Triduum. All of us need to be reminded of the saving events Christ undertook out of love for us, sinners. Any extra time we might choose to spend in Church pales in comparison to His many hours of suffering when He was mocked, tortured and died for us on the cross. 

The Masses for Easter Sunday are at the usual times: 8:30 AM and 11 AM.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Homily for Palm Sunday "A" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

Homily for the 5th Sunday in Lent "A" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

(At times the auto-focus of the camera unfortunately was fixed on the candles in the foreground and blurred the image of the preacher.) 

Lenten Advice for the Procrastinator, Underachiever or Spiritual Slug

 

Dear Parishioners,

How is your Lent so far? Lent is nearing its end. Next week is Palm Sunday and Holy Week begins. Maybe you attempted only some of the recommended practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Maybe you did little or nothing. Maybe you tried, failed and then gave up entirely.

Stop! It is never too late to pick up the pieces and move forward once again. It is not too late to start changing your life for the better. I have been there. Sadly, there were times in the past when I would think that my practice of Lent seemed to be a failure (or at least much less than I originally, idealistically intended.) Let me give some advice looking forward.

First, make sure you take some time to examine your conscience thoroughly and get to the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (confession) before Easter. To me, there is nothing more fruitful for a person than to humble oneself before God and to admit one’s sinfulness to Him in this grace-filled sacrament. I have seen lives dramatically change over my past four decades of hearing people’s sins. I know well that I too am a sinful human instrument in this process. However, it is Jesus who forgives the sins. As a Catholic priest, I absolve in His Name. We all need God’s forgiveness and He indeed is abundantly merciful. Don’t wait to the last minute when the confession lines tend to get long. To borrow a Nike slogan: Just do it!

Second, add some prayer time to what you are already attempting. Maybe you can pray a rosary, open the Holy Bible and start reading, participate in the Stations of the Cross, go to daily Mass, make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament, or go to your inner room and simply talk to God from the heart. These and other personal ways of trying to connect with the Almighty—the God who created you, loves you and redeemed you—are never a waste of time. God hears all, sees all and knows the deepest longing of our hearts. Talk to Him. He’s waiting.

Next, if you are ready for the ultimate challenge, attempt a No Device Day. I have often recommended this as a means of penance (or fasting). Put the phone or tablet down. Shut off the computer. Go radio silence for the day. I think today some might call it ghosting—disappearing with no contact or communication. We are just too dependent on technology for most everything. Maybe it will have to occur on a day off from work, when we do not have business or other obligations, but try to do it if you can. It is actually quite liberating. God often speaks in the silence.

Finally, do something nice for someone without expecting any recognition or reciprocity. This personally chosen act of charity should make someone’s life a little better or easier. There is no limit to the creative ways in which we can help others. Decide on one.

Honestly, we never really know how much time we have left, do we?

Take action while there’s still time to make a difference in your life and in someone else’s life this Lent.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Easter: A Time for Renewed Hope

Dear Parishioners,

I can only imagine how desperate the situation must have seemed to His apostles as Jesus was experiencing His brutal passion and death. To see your spiritual leader, the one whom you believed was the long-awaited messiah, suffer and die like a common criminal had to be devastating. We know most of them fled and went into hiding. Peter was so terrified that he denied the Lord three times, as Jesus had predicted. What do we do now? Where do we go from here?

Yes, there were a few who remained faithful and by the cross until the bitter end: Mary Magdalene, the Beloved Disciple John and Jesus’ own Mother Mary. How great must have been the emotional pain that they felt as they helplessly watched His suffering up close. Seeing every last breath coming from a beaten, broken body had to be stamped like a branding iron into their memories. How could this possibly happen?

Salvation and the forgiveness of sin came with a price: the suffering and death of the Son of God. Holy Week recalls these events. The crucifix in our churches (and homes) reminds us of the greatest act of sacrificial love. But the story does not end here.

Resurrection and new life followed. Jesus conquered sin and death. The grave was not His final resting place.  He is alive!

With all of the suffering and death continuing throughout our world, we need to preach this message loud and clear: Jesus is our salvation. He brings us hope in every situation, no matter how desperate.

I realize how difficult these times can be for all of us.  In recent memory, we have seen closed churches and sacraments being limited, Holy Week and Easter services on TV or through the internet and other unprecedented occurrences. We have to deal with ongoing wars and global conflicts and an uncertain economy. Despite it all, God is still in charge.  He allows this to happen for a reason, which I suspect is an urgent plea for us to return to Him with all our being. We cannot exist at all without His Divine Assistance. 

What do we do now? Where do we go from here? Do we seek resurrection and new life for ourselves and our loved ones? Do we want to find hope in any desperate situation? Jesus is our salvation. There is no other way.

I continue to hope and to pray. Easter gives renewed hope to all Christians as we realize Christ is alive! He is Risen! Death has no more power over Him. Although it may seem, at times, that the season of Lent continues in our lives and that Good Friday has not yet ended, trust in Jesus. Stand by Him at the foot of the cross. Resurrection and new life will come.

I assure you of my continued prayers and Masses for your health and spiritual well-being. Please pray for me. I appreciate all of your kindness and expressions of love and support!  

I may not have all the answers to what lies ahead but I certainly know Who does: Jesus, Our Risen Lord!  

Happy Easter!

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Homily for the 4th Sunday in Lent "A" (Laetare Sunday) - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

Never Ending Wars and Military Conflicts

 

Dear Parishioners,

As I write this, the USA is involved in a military conflict with the nation of Iran. I have lived long enough to know that war is not a moral good in and of itself and that there must be a just cause to be morally involved in one. Since the time I was a child I recall conflicts in areas surrounding Vietnam, Korea, Central and South America, Bosnia (former Yugoslavia), the Persian Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Israel, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, Ukraine, Gaza, Venezuela, and now once again Iran. This is not an all-inclusive list by any means. These are just some of the places I can currently recall (and am aware of) as I write. There never seems to be an end to war and military conflict somewhere in the world.

This is what The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) #2309 states about war:

The strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force require rigorous consideration. The gravity of such a decision makes it subject to rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy. At one and the same time:

• the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain;
• all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective;
• there must be serious prospects of success;
• the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated. The power of modem means of destruction weighs very heavily in evaluating this condition.

Let’s also look at Catholic Just War Theory according to St. Thomas Aquinas. St. Thomas Aquinas systematized the Church’s teaching on Just War in his Summa Theologiae, (II-II, q. 40, De bello). He laid out three essential conditions for a war to be considered just:

• Legitimate Authority (auctoritas principis): War must be declared by a lawful sovereign, not by private individuals.
• Just Cause (causa iusta): There must be a real and grave reason, such as defense against aggression or rectification of grave injustice.
• Right Intention (intentio recta): The goal must be to advance good or avoid evil, not vengeance or conquest.

St. Thomas emphasizes that even with these conditions, war remains a sad reality, not a virtue. The aim is peace, not perpetual conflict.

At this time I recommend continual prayers for peace—especially the Holy Rosary. We should also pray continually for those brave men and women protecting and serving our country in the military.

I believe that the intercession of Our Lady is essential for us to obtain true and lasting peace. Her apparitions and various messages—especially at Fatima—have warned us the war is a punishment for sin and that her Rosary is our greatest weapon against such moral evils.

Pray, pray, pray.

Fr. Ed Namiotka
Pastor

Homily for the 3rd Sunday in Lent "A" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

Lessons from the "Woman at the Well"

Dear Parishioners,

In this Sunday’s Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Lent "A", we have the story of the Samaritan woman at the well (Jn. 4: 5-42). Certainly, there are multiple lessons to be learned from this passage. I focus here on three.

Living Water. Jesus is thirsty and asks the woman for a drink. Their conversation then progresses to Jesus inviting the woman to ask Him for living water instead. As is typical in St. John’s gospel, there are varying levels of understanding present in the dialogue (see also the conversation with Nicodemus, Jn. 3: 1-21). The woman is thinking about water to quench thirst while Jesus is offering something more. Ultimately, I suggest Jesus is inviting us (through her) to BAPTISM. Jesus is the source or fountain of living water (grace, the Holy Spirit) which we initially receive through the sacrament of baptism. This is certainly an appropriate reflection for those throughout the world preparing for baptism through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).

It is no secret that I am very frustrated when people do not see an urgency to get baptized themselves or to have their children baptized. According to the Code of Canon Law: Parents are obliged to take care that infants are baptized in the first few weeks (canon 867). Instead they wait years or decide to let the children “choose for themselves” when they get older. When baptism is delayed, sanctifying grace (God’s life) is not present in a person’s life. Remember, we are not born in a relationship with God, but rather separated because of original sin. Baptism washes away original sin (and actual sin, if one has reached the age of reason), makes one an adopted child of God and allows sanctifying grace to enter a person’s life. Do I not want this for myself and/or my children? Is there no sense of urgency?

I Do Not Have a Husband. While the woman denies that she has a husband, Jesus reminds her she has had five. As one of my seminary professors once put it: “She was the Elizabeth Taylor of her time.” This part of the dialogue reminded me about the importance of Catholics rectifying any marriage situation that is not seen as valid in the eyes of the Church. People in our congregation are sometimes married, divorced and then remarried outside the Catholic Church. Or they were never married in the Catholic Church in the first place. Unless the proper permissions were sought out and granted, these marriages may be invalid according to Church law. The longstanding Catholic teaching is that one should not receive Holy Communion, (or be a godparent or sponsor, or be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, etc.), until such a situation is rectified. An annulment (declaration of nullity) may be needed. Or a convalidation of the marriage may be necessary. Or the couple may be required to live in a brother/sister relationship, if nothing else can be done. It is best to set up an appointment with a priest to help discern what may be possible or necessary.

I am He, the One Speaking with You. As their dialogue continues, Jesus reveals his identity as the long-expected messiah. It is of utmost importance that we all realize the implications of this reality. Jesus is the messiah. He is also God’s only-begotten Son. Salvation comes through Him and on His terms, not ours. I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (Jn. 14: 6). The Samaritan woman believed in Him. She also witnessed to others about Jesus. She led others to believe in Jesus. Similarly, if we acknowledge Jesus as our Lord, God, and Savior, then we must also bring others to Him. Go and make disciples (Mt. 28: 19). Start in your family. Witness to your friends. Tell the whole world what God has done for you!

Jesus continually uses unlikely people to be His disciples and his missionaries: fishermen, tax collectors, Samaritan women, you and me.

 

Let’s not waste any more time getting started or continuing to make excuses!

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Homily for the 2nd Sunday in Lent "A" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

The Transfiguration

 

Dear Parishioners,

Just as the 1^st Sunday of Lent annually begins with Jesus’ 40 days in the desert confronting Satan, the 2nd Sunday of Lent each year concerns the Transfiguration of Jesus. Thus, we should consider its significance.

Jesus is with his inner circle: Peter, James and John. They alone accompany Him during certain important events in Jesus’ ministry (the Agony in the Garden, the healing of Jairus’ daughter). On this high mountain Jesus is seen in glory. His face and His clothes were brilliant, perhaps anticipating His future Resurrection from the dead. The appearance of two Old Testament figures, Moses and Elijah, shows Jesus in connection to the Law and the Prophets, which Jesus stated that he came to fulfill (see Mt. 5: 17).

Then comes the overshadowing cloud and the voice from on high. The other time when such an occurrence transpires is Jesus’ Baptism where the voice of the Father was heard. The image of an overshadowing is also reminiscent of when the Blessed Virgin Mary was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit at the Annunciation. The presence of the Holy Trinity indeed seems plausible.

Why did this event happen? Why do we consider it specifically during Lent?

One can certainly argue that Jesus wanted to strengthen the faith of these apostles prior to the scandal of the cross. Jesus is going to be tortured and killed. Peter would deny Him and the other disciples, except John, would flee the scene. Yet, He now appears in glory as He will post-Resurrection. The Father’s voice reassures and directs them: This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him. We already know that the apostles were weak, flawed men. It would only be with the fortitude that they were given by the Holy Spirit that they later would be able to preach, teach and baptize in the name of the Lord Jesus to the various peoples.

During this Lenten season we can become discouraged. We can sometimes make Lenten resolutions and then fail to carry them out. Additionally, we can go through times of dryness in prayer and question whether anything is happening or if our prayers even matter. We can also battle temptation. It is for times like these when the Transfiguration is significant. Jesus appears in glory. He is identified as the Son of God—not just some ordinary human being or prophet. He indicates a future Resurrection from the dead. He provides hope and increases faith.

Like Peter, James and John, sometimes God might even provide for us supernatural religious experiences during our life and faith journeys to strengthen us. Many times during the course of my priesthood various people have related to me occasions when God was inexplicably present for them through signs, events or even miracles. I have even had a few of these experiences personally. Don’t ever underestimate what God can do for any of us at any time!

As we continue our personal 40 day journey with Jesus into the desert this Lent, realize that He accompanies us the entire time. Sometimes, He may even lead us up to mountain to experience things beyond expectation and comprehension.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Homily for the 1st Sunday in Lent "A" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

Nefarious

Dear Parishioners,

The Gospel reading for the First Sunday of Lent each year recounts Jesus’ encounter with Satan in the desert during His 40 days of fasting. In the Gospel of St. Matthew (Cycle A) which we read this year (see Mt. 4: 1-11), there is an active dialogue between Jesus and Satan. Jesus is tempted by Satan on various levels: to turn stones to bread, to throw Himself down from the parapet of the temple and to prostrate Himself and worship Satan. He does none of the above.

Jesus shows all of us how to resist our own temptations when we encounter them. Satan and his demons will pursue each of us throughout our lives as St. Peter reminds us: 

Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. (1 Peter 5: 8-9)

Do you believe Satan and his demons are real? I took the time last week to re-watch the 2023 film Nefarious. In my opinion, it is worth your time. The dialogue in the film reminded me of the type of dialogue you also find in A Man for All Seasons, the award-winning play and movie about the life and death of St. Thomas More. 

The film Nefarious primarily revolves around two main characters: Edward Wayne Brady who is condemned to die by the electric chair and Dr. James Martin, a psychiatrist sent to evaluate his sanity before his execution. The condemned man claims to be possessed by a demon named Nefarious and the film explores the encounter between the doctor who reveals that he is an atheist and the condemned inmate.

Without spoiling the entire story, the film’s dialogue covers serious topics including euthanasia/assisted suicide, abortion and capital punishment. The subtle, diabolic manner in which the demon works in the film is a brilliant study in all things demonic. 

At one point in the film a priest is called in to visit the inmate. Portrayed as a hippie-type wearing a rainbow stole, the priest doubts the concept of demonic possession and attempts to rationalize the demonic away. The supposedly-possessed inmate has no time for such an enlightened priest, realizing that he is a fool and sends him on his way without any need of his spiritual assistance.

I am not like the priest portrayed in this file. I believe Satan and his demons are real and they constantly work to cause havoc throughout our world. Jesus absolutely knew that Satan is real–He initially created him as a good angel–and He shows us how to deal with him and the other fallen demons and the temptations that they offer us.

During this Lent, actively resist the temptations of the devil by serious prayer, fasting and almsgiving. As the Sacred Scriptures relate, these are the recommended practices for our penitential season of Lent. Remember, temptations are not sins unless we give into them. 

Resist the devil and he will take flight!

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Homily for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time "A" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

Ash Wednesday

Dear Parishioners,

I am glad that Lent is here. It officially begins this year on February 18, 2026 with Ash Wednesday. I personally need to practice a bit more penance in my life and to focus more on the suffering and death of Jesus. I can take too much for granted—even the mercy of God that has been shown to me! I need to find additional time for prayer, fasting and almsgiving as the Gospel reminds all of us. If used the way it is intended, this Lenten season can be a period of personal spiritual growth and allows for proper preparation for Holy Week and Easter. 

Speaking with brutal honesty, however, there is one thing that really annoys me. It is those multiple phone calls that come to most parishes on Ash Wednesday asking: “Father, what time are ashes?” Why is there a tremendous preoccupation with ashes? Why can’t the question be: “What time is Mass?” or “When can I receive Holy Communion?” What is it about those ashes?

Ashes, after all, are a reminder of our mortality:  Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. They also tell us of our need to do penance:  Repent, and believe in the Gospel.

It is my hope that people do not see ashes (burnt palm) as something that they “need to get,” above and beyond the desire to attend Mass and to receive Holy Communion on Ash Wednesday (or on any given Sunday for that matter). That is the reason why I actually prefer not to have only a Liturgy of the Word service with the distribution of ashes. My thought process is this: some burnt palm on the forehead (a sacramental) is significantly less important than receiving Jesus, the Bread of Life, in Holy Communion.

Masses (with the distribution of ashes) on Ash Wednesday at St. Thomas More Parish are at 9 AM and 5 PM. Also, please remember that Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting (one full meal) and abstinence from eating meat. With Good Friday, these are the only two days that we are required by the Church to fast during the entire year! As Catholics, unfortunately, I think we have lost the concept of what it means to do serious penance for our sins. Many of us tend to do only that which is minimally required, at best.

You have heard me preach time and again that we need to take advantage of the opportunity for the Sacrament of Penance (confession) on a regular basis. My recommendation is monthly confession. If you can go an entire month without sinning—and that includes “in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and what I have failed to do”—I want you for my spiritual director! I want your advice and counsel because I can’t seem to achieve this!

With the world in the condition that it is in and the vast majority of Catholics lukewarm in the practice of the faith, we need to take seriously the call to turn away from sin, to repent and to follow the Gospel.

Ash Wednesday and Lent are a great time to start!

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Getting Ready for Lent

Dear Parishioners,

As I have said many times before, I actually look forward to the beginning of Lent. I see it as a special time to be introspective, to think about where I am right now in my relationship with Jesus, and to attempt to make some positive changes that I hope will result in a growth in holiness.

Traditionally, the practices recommended during this season are prayer, fasting and almsgiving (charity).

How can I pray better? I can begin by finding and keeping a set time each day to pray. (My own preference is praying in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.) I also should be reading and reflecting daily on the Sacred Scriptures, praying the Rosary, making the Stations of the Cross and reading an inspiring Catholic book regularly. When I am driving in the car, if I do not take advantage of some quiet, I like to put on an informative or uplifting Catholic talk or discussion to listen to while driving. It certainly beats the garbage that we often find on the radio.

Fasting includes food but should go beyond simply not eating. The only two fast days (one simple meal) required by the Church during Lent are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent are also days of abstinence (no meat). However, we can also fast from things like the TV, the computer/internet, video games, the radio, from smoking or drinking, from superfluous shopping, etc. In essence, we can do without—make an act of self-denial—and try to incorporate into our lives something more spiritually beneficial.

How charitable am I? Do I regularly contribute to and support my church and diocese? Do I have some other favorite charity to which I give? Do I volunteer my time or my skills to help others without seeking compensation or recognition? Do I call (or visit?) the sick or the elderly? Do I think of others more than myself?

The practices that I observe for Lent can really become an opportunity to change my way of living. I can incorporate more permanently various ways of behaving that open my heart and my life more completely to God. I can turn my life over to Jesus and take up my cross daily and follow Him. (See Luke 9:23)

I realize that I am a sinner continually in need of the mercy of God. Like all humans (except Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary, of course!), my life has not been without sin. I am not proud of this. Therefore, I should seriously consider some acts of penance during Lent in reparation for my sins. Making a thorough, heartfelt sacramental confession is a good way to start.

We should be spiritually mature enough to realize that the more we keep trying and letting God control our lives, the more we open ourselves to His grace of conversion. Conversion is a lifelong process of turning away from sin and turning towards the Gospel message.

On Ash Wednesday, when the ashes are placed on our foreheads reminding us both of our own mortality and the call to do penance, do we actually intend to change, or is this just an act of empty show? Only God knows what’s in our hearts and how much we really do love Him. 

Please attempt to make this Lent a time of deep, spiritual conversion.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Homily for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time "A" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

Super Bowl Sunday

Dear Parishioners,

Super Bowl Sunday.

In our secular society, the importance of the events of Super Bowl Sunday seem to surpass what I would consider much more important Sundays like Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday and Pentecost Sunday.

In much earlier times, for peoples in Christian cultures the cathedrals (and other churches) of the city were typically the largest and most magnificent buildings in tribute to Almighty God. What are usually the largest buildings in our cities today? They are our sports stadiums. Unfortunately, they have become the new cathedrals. What are they a tribute to other than ourselves?

Sports figures are often held up as people to emulate and honor. It seems to me that the martyrs and saints (and I don’t mean those guys from New Orleans!) held this position of esteem at one time.

People will pay insane prices for a ticket to view the Super Bowl live. Thousands of dollars are spent in Super Bowl weekend packages. Advertisers are willing to pay millions of dollars for 15 seconds of commercial notoriety. And that poor old George Washington or Abraham Lincoln bill still found in many collection baskets is perhaps seen as adequate to support the local church and its activities—if the people go to church and give at all.

We gather together with family and friends to share pizza, wings, sandwiches, sodas and different types and strengths of “liquid refreshment.” Wouldn’t it be nice if we could see the same enthusiasm and participation when it comes to gathering around the table of the Lord to share the Bread of Life and the Cup of Eternal Salvation?

I would hate to be seen as a kill-joy, party pooper or spoilsport (no pun intended), but does it not seem that our priorities sometimes are out of whack? We live for today, for the moment. Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die. Did the Epicureans have it right? They propounded an ethic of individual pleasure as the sole or chief good in life.

Whether you will root for those guys from Seattle or the ones from New England (or couldn’t care less since your preferred team is out of it), people throughout the world will be fixated for a few hours on a football game. We all might be amused by some of the cleaver or funny television commercials during the game. However, I must confess that in recent years I have been generally unimpressed by the halftime entertainment. Other than the fact that he is from Puerto Rico, I know nothing about Bad Bunny, the headliner this year.  

Sadly, I think that if Christ were to decide to return to earth during this game, some people would ask him to wait at least until it is over. What a sad commentary on the world we live in.

Enjoy the game!

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Homily for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time "A" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

The Beatitudes

 

Sermon on the Mount

Dear Parishioners,

Are you truly happy? Are you blessed?

Let’s be brutally honest for a few minutes. The world (secular society) holds up certain things for us and tells us we will be happy if we have them and miserable without them: pleasure, power, wealth and fame. Preachers of the “prosperity gospel” tell us that we are blessed by God when we are showered with a type of earthly success—primarily money and health. While wanting to have a good, happy life in this world is not a bad thing in and of itself, whenever we place our desire for things or on self above our love for God, we create a type of false god.  Pleasure, power, wealth and fame can all become false gods in our lives.

What does Jesus teach us in the Sacred Scriptures? Let’s begin with a very difficult statement about the cross in our lives: "Then Jesus said to his disciples, Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Mt. 16: 24-25)

Moreover, the Beatitudes (Mt. 5: 3-12) seem to contradict what the world touts as essential for happiness. Blessed are the poor is spirit seems to rail against a call to accumulate material wealth. Blessed are the meek seems to undermine those seeking to obtain power over others. Blessed are they who mourn seems far removed from those who seek pleasure as their motivation. And blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me doesn’t seem to command the respect and honor craved for by so many. In fact, Jesus points out that those persons are blessed, when the direct opposite of what the world propagates is practiced and lived.

Why is this? First, worldly vision is shortsighted. Eternity and even God are seen as some pie in the sky ideas and we are told that we must live for this world only. Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die! I remind everyone that heaven and hell are eternal, not this world. In addition, Jesus demonstrated for us a sacrificial love (picking up a cross) which, unfortunately, requires some degree of pain and suffering. A cross was a means of public execution and the early Christians needed no reminder of its brutality. Yet, God freely chose it as a means of our redemption. Jesus accepted His cross.

The ultimate decision which we all must make is whether we choose to live for this world with its temporary pleasures and sorrows or to live for eternity and to desire union with God. It requires a modicum of faith to see things with the proper perspective. It also requires the support of a Church and its sacraments to strengthen our resolve and keep us on the right path. God’s grace is available, if we chose to accept it.

It has always intrigued me how many accounts of the martyrs tell how they sang, prayed and bore final witness even when facing brutal torture and death. Self-giving, sacrificial love can be contagious when we witness it. “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (Jn. 15: 12-13)

I dare say that too few of us have come to such a realization in our lives.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

Homily for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time "A" - Fr. Edward Namiotka

 

Intentional Disciples

Dear Parishioners,

In the coming months you will be hearing about a specific path the Diocese of Camden will be taking regarding the task of evangelization. We will be examining the thoughts of the author Sherry A. Weddell and her book Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus. Bishop Williams has asked all of his priests as well as parish staff members and others throughout the diocese to read and discuss this book. I bring this to your attention as an invitation for anyone interested to join us.

It is well known that there are too many Catholics who may be baptized and have received their sacraments but are no longer practicing their faith or consider themselves Jesus' disciples. People say things like they are spiritual but not religious and ever-more-increasingly declare no formal affiliation to a church or religious denomination.

The main question pursued in this book is: Are we intentional disciples of Jesus? Do we know Jesus personally and are we committed to a radical lifestyle (discipleship) specifically following His teachings?

Bishop Williams has seen positive results back in his home Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and wants to replicate their success here in our diocese. With the help of Sherry Weddell and another Catholic evangelist and author Jeff Cavins, our diocese is fostering this journey towards an intentional discipleship of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Some of the topics along the path to intentional discipleship discussed in the book include trust, curiosity, openness, seeking and conversion. The meaning and understanding of God's grace and its fruitfulness (or lack thereof) is treated as well. The specifics of the book make good topics for discussion and are thought-provoking with the intended purpose of bringing more people to know and love Jesus as His disciples.

The Gospel for this Sunday (Mt. 4: 12-23) shows Jesus calling His initial disciples, who were fishermen, to become "fishers of men." In fact, by our baptism we should all seriously consider the task of making other disciples as He commanded His followers at His Ascension:    

All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age. (Mt. 28: 18-20)

I have stated before that Christianity is not like a spectator sport in which we simply watch others perform from our seats (or pews). True disciples have to take on difficult tasks such as pick up our crosses daily, love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us, repent and make other disciples.

Whether we are ultimately successful in this or any task will be left for God to judge. However, I think it is important for us continually to try to bring people to Jesus. To do nothing is not an option. The words of St. Teresa of Calcutta seem appropriate: “God has not called me to be successful; He has called me to be faithful.” 

Be faithful to the Lord as His disciple! It is always our personal (intentional) choice to do so.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor