Scripture-based homilies needed
Please allow me to comment on the article “Priests blame boring sermons, 2nd collections” (Page 1, Inquirer, 4/12/13). There may be some priests who deliver boring homilies that lead us to doze off, but we the faithful must share the blame for why this is happening.
If we as churchgoers only read and meditate on the Readings before going to Mass, then we would be in a better position to appreciate the homilies. Still, this can happen only if the priests’ homilies are based on the Readings. The 1983 Code of Canon Law prescribes that “The most important form of preaching is the homily, which is part of the liturgy, and is reserved to a priest or deacon. In the course of the liturgical year, the mysteries of faith and the rules of Christian living are to be expounded in the homily from the sacred text.”
There are occasions when homilies are based on the personal experience of the priest or drawn from the world of show business and politics. Such sermons I find humdrum. I believe that for homily topics, the faithful would be more interested in Gospel values and how these should be applied to our daily lives. We do not wish to be entertained by inconsequential homilies. We yearn for spiritual enlightenment and growth from listening to creative and inspiring homilies.
I beg to differ though that the number of Filipino Catholics who go to Mass has been dwindling over the past two decades. Churches are still bursting with the faithful every Sunday. The only concern perhaps is the spiritual hunger among the faithful because of dull homilies. In fact, many Catholics would rather attend prayer rallies because the preachers there are dynamic communicators.
There is a need for some priests to enhance their skill in delivering homilies. It is even more important that their homilies be based on the scriptures and liturgy. The faithful deserve good and carefully prepared homilies to inspire them into living genuine Christian lives.
—REGINALD B. TAMAYO
assistant city council secretary,
Marikina City
