Better preaching
History may well record Barack Obama’s acceptance speech after being elected the 44th president of the United States as a classic in public oration. If so, it would join such timeless masterpieces of discourse as Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address of 1863.
Lincoln’s speech, which the orator initially regarded as a failure, is not only eloquent and astutely phrased, but also brief, framing its substantial message in a weight of words less than half of the editorial you are presently reading. Lincoln’s address, one of the most celebrated speeches in the English-speaking world, was delivered in just over two minutes.
The faithful at Sunday Mass are witness to oration of varying lengths and standards. The lucky parishioners will emerge from their pews edified and spiritually energised by a skilfully constructed and delivered homily which succeeds in explicating that day’s Gospel reading. The more unfortunate parishioners will be dispirited by mediocre preaching. And a homilist who overcooks a point — such as the American priest who in a Christmas homily demanded to know what might have been had Mary chosen to use birth control — can even trivialise his pulpit.
Of course, it would be too much to expect that all our priests should be gifted orators. Some certainly are, some have other talents, and most get by one way or another.
It is no secret that the quality of homilies worldwide is a cause of concern for the Church, among leaders and faithful alike. The idea of initiating a “Year of Preaching”, proposed the American Bishop Gerald Kicanas of Tucson at October’s Synod of Bishops, is commendable as a means of improving this elementary form of social communication. In Bishop Kicanas’ conception, bishops, clergy and laity (presumably including religious sisters and brothers) would collaboratively study how homilies might become more dynamic and relevant.
Whether or not the suggestion is implemented (and if not, this idea surely could be adapted on diocesan level), it may be fruitful to re-examine canon 767.1 which reserves the right and obligation to preach homilies for only priests and deacons. In an age when the study of Catholic theology has ceased to be an exclusively clerical pursuit, there seems to be little reason why the preaching talents of qualified religious or even laity — including women — should not be somehow utilised in principle.
Some astute priests already consult with lay Catholics when composing their homilies. This is eminently sensible, because even the most gifted homilist will at times lack the time or inspiration to do full justice to this essential part of the Mass.
Our priests need not be orators of Barack Obama’s lofty standards. At the same time, the faithful deserve better than poorly constructed and ham-fistedly delivered sermons.
In an article on her Southern Cross’ blog, Sr Susan Rakoczy IHM suggests that congregants silently preach to themselves when a poor homily diverts their focus on the liturgy — if necessary even walking out (before returning for the rest of the Mass). There are indeed times when it is profitable to switch off from a droning, rambling or clowning homilist in the pulpit, face the cross, and seek ways to meditate on the Gospel.
It would be much better, however, if there was no need for this. It is self-evident that steps must be taken to improve the quality of homilies in Catholic churches.
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