On Ignoring the Sunday Readings

by Sue Rakoczy · Published May 7, 2012 · Updated September 10, 2020

At the liturgy which I attended this past Sunday the priest ignored the readings of the day, including the beautiful text from John on the vine and the branches. Instead, he covered a good deal of theological territory: telling us much about Paul, quoting Thomas Aquinas and reflecting on the question Jesus put to Peter, Who do you say I am? There was not one word of connection with our lives.

He had obviously prepared since he had a thick wad of notes. But for some reason he had decided that the readings were not worth his response. He did not stay after the liturgy to greet people so I had no chance to ask him.

But still I wonder. Why choose other topics when the Easter readings are so rich? Why omit any connection with life?

Surveys in the United States and Europe reveal a great deal of dissatisfaction with homilies and I think that if such a survey were done here the response would be much the same. The friend with whom I attend liturgy was upset that the homily was so boring.

During boring homilies I preach to myself and I reflected on the vine/branches text and the reality that once we are united to the Vine who is Christ, no matter what happens, we share one life, even if it appears that nothing much is happening in our relationship.