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