About the Mass Series: Liturgy of the Word: The Homily.

About the Mass Series: 

THE MASS: ABOUT THE MASS SERIES ICON.

Liturgy of the Word: The Homily.

And now we sit for the Homily. It has always been part of the Liturgy of the Word.  In the Jewish tradition, the readings from the Law and the Prophets were concluded by an explanation, and in the early writings about the Mass, St Justin instructed his congregation to imitate the things they have heard in the readings and by applying them to their concrete life situations. 

The homily in the Mass today is still an integral part of the liturgy. The homily is essential for the nurturing of our Christian life. The priest develops aspects of the sacred readings and explains the feast of the Day, so that our faith may be strengthened. The priest’s words are Christ speaking to us and through his words, Christ invites in us further faith and conversion.

Perhaps, you remember a homily (or hopefully many) that did just that in your life.

•  Do you remember what the homily was about when you go home?
•  Do you ever think to show your appreciation when you hear a ‘good homily’? 
•  Why not encourage your priest who is Jesus for us in our midst. He is human too and your words of encouragement can offer him further food for his soul.
•  How do YOU sit during the homily? Are you really listening with body mind and spirit?
• If we are going to hear Christ speak to us, we need to be truly listening, and so our body posture can be a great help. 

So next time you hear a homily, (afterward of course) why not take a piece of paper and write down all the ways Christ spoke to you during the homily.

You may be quite surprised to find that Christ has a lot to say to YOU.