Why is there a homily after the Gospel?
On some days, the homily follows the proclamation of the Gospel. It is said that the ideal homily is firmly based on the readings of the Mass, is not too long (7 to 10 minutes), and sticks to the subject.
In the synagogue, the Bible readings were always followed by an explanation of the sacred text. Our Lord took advantage of such instances to announce the kingdom of God. This custom was also observed in the primitive Church. The bishop himself, who normally celebrated the Mass on Sundays, spoke to the congregation.
Homily means “explanation” in Greek. Its purpose is to develop, explain, and teach the way of transforming into life what has been proclaimed. Accordingly, the homily is to be given by the priest or the deacon. No layperson is allowed to preside over this means of catechesis.
The homily usually dwells on some point of the readings or of another text from the Ordinary or from the Proper prayers of the Mass of the day, so that it becomes alive for us here and now. It takes into account the mystery being celebrated and the needs of the listeners. The mysteries of the faith and the guiding principles of Christian life are expounded during the course of the liturgical year.
Catechesis should be all the richer and more effective by reading the texts with the understanding and the heart of the Church and by drawing inspiration from the two thousand years of the Church’s reflection and life.
The writings of the holy Doctors of the Church, of so many saints, are a treasure chest from which abundant inspiration can be drawn.
It is advisable to stress the essential subordination of the liturgy of the word to the Eucharistic liturgy during the homily. Then, the commentary on the scriptural texts becomes like a preparation for the Consecration and the Communion.
The homily should never be omitted on Sundays and holidays of obligation; and it is strongly recommended on other days, especially on the weekdays of Advent, Lent, and the Easter season.
So that it might more effectively move men’s minds, the priest should explain the word of God not in a general and abstract way, but rather by applying the lasting truth of the Gospel to the listeners’ particular circumstances of life.
The priest will try to harmonize different mentalities so that no one feels like a stranger in the community of the faithful. In building the Christian community, priests are never to put themselves at the service of some human faction or ideology. Rather, they are to respect in the faithful the freedom with which Christ has made us free.
Lay people, on the other hand, should correspond to the effort and zeal of the priest preaching the homily. They should not mind the obvious limitations and imperfections that accompany any human instrument. Rarely will a homily leave satisfied those who are shallow and mean. But it will always profit those who go to the essentials, while understanding and overlooking the human shortcomings of the preacher.
Oct 16 Thu