Sermon series vs. homily
  • baritenor
    Posts: 10
    I've noticed that themed sermon series (as opposed to more lectionary-based homilies) are gaining popularity again in Catholic parishes, probably in large part due to the example set forth by non-denominational churches as endorsed by the book Rebuilt by Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran. Then again, it seems that catechetical sermons were the norm before Vatican II.

    Sacrosanctum Concilium 35: "The sermon, moreover, should draw its content mainly from scriptural and liturgical sources, and its character should be that of a proclamation of God's wonderful works in the history of salvation, the mystery of Christ, ever made present and active within us, especially in the celebration of the liturgy."

    GIRM 65: "The Homily is part of the Liturgy and is highly recommended, for it is necessary for the nurturing of the Christian life. It should be an explanation of some aspect of the readings from Sacred Scripture or of another text from the Ordinary or the Proper of the Mass of the day and should take into account both the mystery being celebrated and the particular needs of the listeners."

    Does this preclude the use of a sermon that is based on something other than the readings and prayers of the day? Maybe it is more a matter of the spirit of the law versus the letter of the law.
  • Chris Garton-Zavesky
    Posts: 6,902
    Baritenor,

    Please note that "homily" and "sermon" are not interchangeable terms.

    Sometimes it is the pastoral judgment of the pastor (or other priest, who happens to be preaching that day) that a good solid course of doctrine or liturgical education is the desperate need of the assembled lay faithful -- those under his pastoral care. Once heard a seven week set of sermons preached... not directly drawing on the Propers, but helping us grow in the spiritual life with reference to the whole course of the Lenten season. These sermons were more than the customary 9 minutes and 59 seconds available in some other parishes. Mass ran "long" and nobody budged or complained, in part because we recognized the richness we were receiving.
    Thanked by 2a_f_hawkins baritenor
  • a_f_hawkins
    Posts: 3,467
    Ordinary or the Proper of the Mass
    Not much that cannot be considered under 'forgive us our trespasses'/'let us call to mind our sins' or (outside Lent) 'We worship you', not to mention the Eucharistic Prayer, though perhaps EP2 is a bit thin.
  • baritenor
    Posts: 10
    Thanks for helping me clarify the terms. SC seems to be pointing to the lectionary-based homily, even though it uses the word sermon.
  • Liam
    Posts: 5,092
    http://english.op.org/godzdogz/a-z-of-the-mass-homily
    Thanked by 1baritenor
  • Adam WoodAdam Wood
    Posts: 6,480
    Please note that "homily" and "sermon" are not interchangeable terms.


    image
    Thanked by 1chonak
  • Chris Garton-Zavesky
    Posts: 6,902
    MWCD 10th edition:

    homily....fr. homilein, to consort with
    sermon... a speech on conduct or duty

    Homilies (and yes, I will trace down Fr. Stravinskas' distinction later) are intentional applications of some portion of Holy Writ to the lives of the listeners; sermons are speeches given on moral conduct or duty, and thus outline or discuss in depth principles, not "applications".
    Thanked by 2baritenor tsoapm
  • Liam
    Posts: 5,092
    Additional old context:

    http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07448a.htm

    Perhaps one might consider a homily as a *kind* of sermon very broadly speaking, even so the equation would not reverse, and that may explain why the developed sense of the terms evolved differently.
Add a Comment