Liturgy of the Word, Part 3, by Fr. Joseph Evinger
This week I will return to the explanation of the Mass. I had hoped to cover the Liturgy of the Word in two articles. However, it will be four. The first two articles covered the importance of Sacred Scripture and its reading at Mass. This article as well as the next will cover the Homily, the Creed, and Intercessions or Petitions.
After the readings are read and we have heard the proclamation of the Gospel, the priest or deacon will give a homily or sermon. This is to explain some aspect of the faith found in the Bible, the Mass and the teachings of the Church.
Unlike most Protestant churches, in the Catholic Church and Orthodox Churches the high point of the Mass is not the sermon. Rather the readings and homily point to the Holy Eucharist. We first hear God speak to us, we hear his Word, but in the Liturgy of the Eucharist He becomes fully present to us upon the altar. For Catholics, the consecration is the high point of Mass, that is, Jesus’ offering humanity to the Father; the homily is not the center. It is the pastor’s responsibility to make sure the homily points to the Holy Eucharist.
Nevertheless, the homily is very important and essential for us. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?” (Romans 10:13-14) It is in hearing the gospel explained to us that we come to have greater faith in Jesus Christ, and how we come to know Him in his Real Presence at Mass.
When we listen to homilies, let us always look for a nugget with which to walk away. Let us be attentive to the Holy Spirit who uses the words of the priest to change our lives and mold our hearts. May the Holy Mass continue to be unveiled in your hearts and minds.
In conclusion, remember the homily does not end with Mass. The homily must continue in the words of parents to children, siblings to one another, children to parents, Christians to each other. The way we live our lives must be a homily. And all must point to God in the Mass.