Open Up Homilies to a Prayerful Laity

by Letters Editor · Published June 24, 2016 · Updated June 24, 2016

From Sr Judy Coyle IHM, Johannesburg -The late Benedictine liturgist Aidan Kavanagh in a small book entitled Elements of Rite wrote “one never preaches unless one has something to say”.

Much has been said about homilies of late in The Southern Cross and other media, most less than flattering. Perhaps Fr Kavanagh was right.

Practical suggestions can be made—more preparation, prepare or critique with the laity, hold workshops on homilies.

But I venture the question is not only one of technique (and good theology), but of spirituality. If there is “nothing to say”, why isn’t there?

The homilist must be a person who takes the spiritual life seriously: daily prayer and pondering of the Word, spiritual reading, theological reflection, direction, etc. The principles are well known. But the desire and the discipline are another thing.

I imagine giving a good homily week after week is challenging, even burdensome. One does not have to be a Chrysostom every time, but without a maturing and well-grounded spiritual life, comments such as, “He talks a lot. But he has nothing to say”, will continue to be heard.

Perhaps some attention must be given to opening up this ministry of preaching.

It is a key argument in the call for women deacons, to hear another voice in the Church.

But perhaps even beyond the “ordained”, it might be considered by those among the baptised who truly demonstrate something of such a charism and seek to put it at the service of the faith community.