The Mass: Liturgy of the Word Part VI

We are still exploring the second section of the Mass, The Liturgy of the Word. Once the Gospel is proclaimed, everyone is seated, and either the priest or the deacon gives a homily.

The Church requires that a homily be given at every Sunday Mass and Masses on Holy Days of Obligation. The homily is optional, but recommended, during daily Mass. One thing to note is that the Church uses the word “homily” now, rather than the older term “sermon.” A subtle difference is that the homily is based on the fixed readings of that Mass, and that it goes beyond mere explanation of the passages. It is meant to evoke the spiritual meaning of the readings and place them in the context of our own lives.

Priests and deacons in their seminary formation are trained in homiletics, which is the practice of developing and delivering homilies. After ordination, a man must receive the faculty to preach by his bishop in order to do so at Mass.

A homily should be derived from one or more of the readings of the Mass, and must be grounded in correct theology and the teachings of the Church. It frequently is influenced by the preacher’s own style and personal formation and experiences. It should always be inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit.

The most important facet of a homily is how it relates to each of us in the present day. It should be reflective of the personal relationship we desire to have with Jesus, and this ultimately ties it into our experience of the Eucharist.

“The homily is not a trite discourse, nor a catechesis (…), nor is it a conference nor a lesson. (…) It is taking up ‘once more the dialogue which the Lord has already established with his people,’ so it may find fulfillment in life. (...) The homily also follows the Word of the Lord and also follows this path in order to help us so that the Word of the Lord may go to the hands, by passing through the heart.” - Pope Francis, General Audience, 7 February, 2018

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Contact me at eucharist@stmli.org.