January 22, 2008, 09:01 PM PT
What is a Homily?
It is often easier to saywhat a homily is not rather than what a homily is. With that in mind, a homily is not just another word for sermon, talk, teaching, lecture, or explanation of doctrine. A homily leads the hearers (and the homilist) into a more profound and thoughtful participationin the Mystery of Christ and the Church.
As such, for example, a homily given at Mass guides participants into a more fruitful celebration of the Eucharist. The homily is always based upon the proclaimed scriptures as they relate to thelife of the congregation. Homilists are not so much teachers or authority figures as they re fellow travelers on the journey of faith. In the rthought of Cardinal Newman, a homily is heart speaking to heart.