Preaching that engages the heart and mind
Monday, December 9, 2024
*Fr. Richard Vigoa
At a recent Wednesday audience, Pope Francis once again spoke candidly about the art of preaching, reminding us of its sacred importance in the liturgy. He emphasized that a homily should be concise and meaningful, cautioning against overly long or unfocused preaching: “A homily should not go on and on—it should touch the heart of the people.” His words resonate deeply with the challenges faced by preachers today, offering both a reminder and an invitation to renew the way we proclaim God’s Word.
Preaching is not simply an act of teaching; it is a sacred duty to communicate the Good News in a way that inspires and transforms. Pope Francis has repeatedly stressed the need for homilies that are clear, relatable, and deeply rooted in Scripture. He explained that a homily must not merely share information but foster an encounter with Christ. When preaching becomes too long, abstract, or disconnected from the Gospel, it risks losing its focus and the attention of the faithful.
The Holy Father’s reminder challenges preachers to consider not only what they are saying but also how they are saying it. Delivery is just as important as content. A preacher who speaks with authenticity, passion, and clarity engages both the heart and mind. Conversely, monotony or overly academic language can dull even the most profound theological truths. Preaching requires intentionality—a commitment to connecting with the congregation's real lives and struggles.
Pope Francis also emphasizes that Scripture must remain the foundation of every homily. The preacher’s primary task is to open the Word of God and illuminate its meaning and relevance to today. While anecdotes and examples can be effective tools, they should always serve the Gospel and not overshadow it. The Word of God must remain central, guiding both the preacher and the listener into deeper reflection and action.
Preparation is essential. As Pope Francis wrote in Evangelii Gaudium, “A preacher who does not prepare is not ‘spiritual’; he is dishonest and irresponsible with the gifts he has received.” Good preaching flows from prayer, study, and a genuine effort to understand the congregation's spiritual and practical realities. It reflects the preacher’s personal relationship with Christ, making the message authentic and compelling.
One of the greatest challenges for preachers is balancing depth and brevity. Homilies that are too long risk losing their focus, while those that are too brief may fail to offer substantial guidance. The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments suggests that homilies should generally last 8 to 10 minutes. This guideline emphasizes the importance of focus, requiring preachers to discern what the congregation most needs to hear.
In our archdiocese, we have seen beautiful examples of preaching that embody these principles. Parishioners often express gratitude for homilies that give them practical tools for living their faith, offer encouragement during trials, or reveal new insights into familiar passages of Scripture. These preachers prepare thoughtfully, deliver with clarity, and speak from their own encounter with the Gospel.
Preaching is more than a well-delivered speech; it is an integral part of the liturgy. The homily bridges the proclamation of the Word and the celebration of the Eucharist, inviting the faithful into a more profound encounter with Christ. If we as preachers are serious about the New Evangelization and helping the faithful become more engaged in their faith, preaching must be a top weekly priority. Pope Francis’s reminders are not merely about technique but about the sacred responsibility to inspire and guide the people of God.
As we reflect on the Holy Father’s call, let us pray for all preachers to be renewed in their mission. May their words be guided by the Holy Spirit, their preparation rooted in prayer, and their preaching marked by clarity and conviction. Through their efforts, may the faithful be drawn closer to Christ, empowered to live the Gospel in their daily lives. Preaching, when done well, has the power to transform hearts, deepen faith, and bring the Word of God to life in the midst of His people.
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