Homilies, Written or Not

Another feature of a good homily is that it is positive. It is not so much concerned with pointing out what shouldn’t be done, but with suggesting what we can do better.

Jul 17, 2014

--Continued from last week

Q: For many years in the seminary, and now about to finish seminary formation and preparing for apostolate, I have noticed that some priests, even bishops, be it in seminaries or in parishes, write out homilies and read them out at Mass. Others preach from the heart. My question is this: What is the official position of the Church as regards preaching a homily? Is a homily to be written or not? Is there any canonical provision regarding this? — A.M., Enugu, Nigeria

A: “159. Another feature of a good homily is that it is positive. It is not so much concerned with pointing out what shouldn’t be done, but with suggesting what we can do better. In any case, if it does draw attention to something negative, it will also attempt to point to a positive and attractive value, lest it remain mired in complaints, laments, criticisms and reproaches. Positive preaching always offers hope, points to the future, does not leave us trapped in negativity. How good it is when priests, deacons and the laity gather periodically to discover resources which can make preaching more attractive!”

The Holy Father’s opportune recommendations should be taken to heart by all preachers. But he does not address our reader’s particular question.

My own view is that homilies should always be well prepared, including as regards means of delivery. Homilies should always be preached from the heart, but not necessarily preached by heart. A read homily may also be from the heart.

Therefore, presuming that the homily is well prepared, the decision on whether to write it in full, write an outline, or construct it entirely in the head before preaching depends entirely upon the ability and inclinations of the preacher, the needs of the faithful, and the particular context of the celebration.

A bishop or priest may opt to write down and read his homily because he considers that precision of language is important in certain contexts, especially if the homily is later to be published.

Some priests and deacons read the text simply because they have bad memories. Other preachers write down homilies or outlines and then deliver it with nary a glance at the text. The mere presence of the text frees them from the worry of suffering a mental blockage.

Others, such as the great Fulton Sheen, prefer not to use a written text. It should be remembered, however, that this form often requires more preparation to get things right. It is also often the most efficacious from a rhetorical point of view, facilitating such elements as personal contact with the listeners.

There are also those who preach from a prepared text who achieve this contact, and this form should not be considered in any way as second best. Popes Benedict and Francis, with different styles, both show how this form can be a most efficacious preaching method.

What is not usually effective is reading a text simply downloaded from the Internet or some other resource. Even if well read, it often lacks the quality of being the fruit of prayerful meditation, assimilation of the message and personal conviction in its truth — which must necessarily come across if a homily is to be a true communication of faith.

Pope Francis also illustrates this point:

“144. To speak from the heart means that our hearts must not just be on fire, but also enlightened by the fullness of revelation and by the path travelled by God’s word in the heart of the Church and our faithful people throughout history. This Christian identity, as the baptismal embrace which the Father gave us when we were little ones, makes us desire, as prodigal children — and favorite children in Mary — yet another embrace, that of the merciful Father who awaits us in glory. Helping our people to feel that they live in the midst of these two embraces is the difficult but beautiful task of one who preaches the Gospel.” -- Answered by Legionary of Christ Fr Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university.

Total Comments:0

Name
Email
Comments