I have often wondered what constitutes a great homily? ? Focus on all that is wrong in the Church and in society? Focus on stan? Focus on oneself? Focus on messages? Focus on..... ??? Sorry for the rant but I frequently hear people declaring such and such a priest gave a brilliant homily (especially in medjugorje) and yet when I check them out, it is more often than not an emphasis on one or more of the above. None of which in the end leaves one peaceful. So, what DOES constitute a great homily?
Pope Francis actually wrote on this in EVANGELII GAUDIUM. He said: "The homily has special importance due to its eucharistic context: it surpasses all forms of catechesis as the supreme moment in the dialogue between God and his people which lead up to sacramental communion. The homily takes up once more the dialogue which the Lord has already established with his people." http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/homiletics/upload/Pope-Francis-Exhortation-The-Homily.pdf
Border Collie, This was a good homily for Americans- why? First, the subject is very timely. Second, it clarified what true love is as it pertains to marriage and the conjugal act. Third, it puts Americans on notice that a line has been crossed in the culture that will result in direct persecution of Catholics. It is important that we in the pews on this side of the Atlantic understand the stakes, and make a clear choice on the matter. Having watched the frog boil slowly in the pot for so long, it is tempting to hope that all the hoopla can be ignored, that it will fade away, and our lives will not need to change. No! Catholics need to be challenged and called to stand firm or else we'll get mowed down. 1 Peter 5: 8 Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you.
Oops! My post was meant for: http://motheofgod.com/threads/powerful-homily-from-father-mitchell.7678/ Sorry to confuse you, BC! Mea culpa! Safe in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary!
I agree this was powerful, but was the alter the best place to deliver it? Does it tie in with the guidelines for homilies given by Pope Francis in EVANGELII GAUDIUM? Was it more of a talk than a homily? I'm trying to tease this out because like I said in my original post, most people and some priests seem to be confused as to what makes a good homily. If asked what they learned or took from most recent "brilliant" homilies, I have found people to be very confused indeed.
Border Collie, I took my first of four homiletics courses this past year. Included in it were two publications by the US Conference of Bishops, Fulfilled in Your Hearing (1982), and Preaching the Mystery of Faith (2013). Many of the guidelines in the earlier work steered clear of formatting a homily along the lines of a talk, and stressed that catechesis should be generally avoided in a homily. It emphasized reaching the hearts of the congregation. However, by the time of the second publication, the bishops were lamenting how ill-formed Catholics are, and encouraged content of the Faith to be included. They also stressed that timely cultural issues had a place in homilies. The plodding talk format of Fr. Mitchell's is generally ill-advised, but the relevance and importance of the topic warranted including a sizable portion of catechesis. Again, I definitely agree that a steady diet of such a format is disagreeable to me, but parishioners need to hear this message from their pastors, don't you think? Without understanding, it will fall by the wayside. Safe in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary!
Yes Mario I agree parishioners definitely need to hear this and more but I don't think it should be in a homily. Perhaps a newsletter where it could be re-read and studied. It's difficult to take in and remember all that is said at times. I feel some of the pressing topics of homilies at the moment, could be to explain what happens at the mass, reverence for the Eucharist during and after mass ... but to speak as you say, to the hearts of the congregation. The best way I have found to reach someone's heart is to speak from my own.
