Guide to good preaching

by Letters Editor · January 10, 2013

From Rino Nicky, Hilton, KZN

Your editorial on the subject of preaching (November 21) is highly appreciated if it leads preachers to better prepare their homilies. My very personal response and advice: the normal attention span is about ten minutes; anything over that is wasted, and threatens to spoil even the first ten minutes of attention. Also, a clear and distinctive delivery is essential.

“To fully understand the Bible message the preacher must consult reliable commentaries, dictionaries of theology and published homilies. ” (CNS photo/Joe Moore, The Monitor)

I find it practical to keep in mind what I call �the three Cs� in my reflection on the Sunday texts.

Creed: What the texts teach me to illuminate my understanding of God.

Code: Practical applications for my life or code of conduct.

Cult: How these teachings stimulate and direct my participation in the Eucharistic celebration that follows.

In fact, homilies are part of the liturgy and should always be felt as such. The Church has chosen the readings, the antiphons and the prayers to present a cogent message revolving around one or two themes, which are supposed to stimulate reflection, to inspire participation in the Eucharistic celebration, and to serve as an inspiration, mode of life and prayer for the entire week.

To fully understand the Bible message the preacher must consult reliable commentaries, dictionaries of theology and published homilies. Many priests give the impression that their biblical learning stopped with their last seminary exam.

The application to daily life must originate from personal reflection on the practical needs of the congregation.

The application to the Eucharistic celebration�an element which I find sorely lacking in most homilies�originates from the preacher�s personal faith in what he is doing and in his understanding of the needs of his community in the light of the biblical message.