Lessons for the Pulpit

I remember years ago when I was working on my Bachelor's Degree and writing my column for "The Catholic Times," I would sometimes ask my husband's opinion on something I'd written because I appreciated his honesty.

Of course, I was in academic mode, and my writing reflected that at times.

On one particular column that I asked his opinion about, he kindly said, "That's good, but I'm not sure anyone will really know what your saying." He suggested I write so that my message was more understandable to the reader who was not a student of religion.

And he was so right. And he has St. Paul to back him up.

In continuing my reading of 1 Corinthians, Chapters 13 & 14, I stepped back from all of the details about prophesying and speaking in tongues. St. Paul had a lot to say about them, but there is something else we can glean from his writing.

Here's how he made his point: 

"If the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle?"

 "If you . ..  do not utter intelligible speech, how will anyone know what is being said? For you will be talking to the air."

If we step aside from his discussion on speaking in tongues and so forth, this could be a great lesson for our priests and seminarians (all preachers, really.) 

Most of us sitting in the pews are somewhat intelligent :-), and we want to be encouraged to live our lives centered on Jesus. We want to hear how to do that. We want to be reminded to never give up striving for holiness (and sainthood) and trusting God in our struggles.

We want to learn more about the life of Jesus and the beauty of the Trinity, and we want to hear HIS story, especially. 

Sometimes homilies that are story-centered or offer applicable personal, life experiences can be helpful, but the greater message must come through. It is the Word we are hungering for and desperately need.

We should never tire of hearing the gospel message preached, and we hope you, our priests, never tire of preaching it, even though it can be repetitive and challenging at times.

As "hearers of the Word," we must learn to be patient, assuming that you are giving us what God has given you to preach through your prayer. 

But, as I said, balance is key. Just the right amount of academics and the right amount of down-to-earth, practical wisdom from scripture, will give us what we need.

I think St. Paul really got this . . .

"So what is to be done? I will pray with the spirit, but I will also pray with the mind." 

Between praying with the spirit and praying with one's mind, a holy homily is sure to be found. 

God bless you Father for trying so hard to reach many a varied people!

Janet Cassidy

Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

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