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The Homily
An excellent summary of the purpose and various methods of preaching. From The Catholic Encyclopedia.
The Soulful Homily
A good reflection by Father Thomas Dailey, O.S.F.S. Writing to fellow priests, he says: " Our congregations need direct reference to the persuasive element that links truth and response in our homilies.
Preaching a Funeral
Good pastoral considerations by Father Thomas Scrighi, S.J. A quote: "Confronted by the fear of death and comforted by the promise of eternal life, the preacher is called to speak a word from the Lord....The funeral homily does not talk of this one deceased person but of all of us gathered for this liturgy. The preacher speaks to the faithful hungry for everlasting life. We gather here not only out of love and respect for the deceased, but to remember that we too 'will return to dust' and from this dust God will fashion a new creation. The faithful request, show us the hope of Christ."
Preaching and Biblical Theology
Though written from a Protestant perspective, there is much to be learned here about the need for preaching to reflect a biblical theology that provides a unified vision of the Christian mystery. Keep in mind that, in contrast to the emphasis here, good Catholic biblical theology always sees the culmination of the Bible's unified vision in the Church and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. See also:
- Building the Biblical Theological Sermon (Part 1)
- Building the Biblical Theological Sermon (Part 2)
- The Relationship Between Exegesis and Expository Preaching (.pdf files, requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader.)
- Guidelines for Understanding and Proclaiming Old Testament Narratives
Homily Helps and Preaching Resources
Biblical Reflections on the Sunday Mass Readings
The St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology's own short studies, highlighting the unity between the Old and New Testament readings in the Sunday liturgy.
St. Charles Borromeo Lectionary Site
Excellent, detailed studies of the readings for each Sunday of the liturgical year. (.pdf files, requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader).
Homilies of the Fathers of the Church
Browse for sermons on particular topics.
The Sunday Sermons of St. Anthony of Padua
A master of biblical theology.
Homilies of Father Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap.
Learn from one of the best - the official preacher for the papal household of Pope John Paul II.
Catholic Homilies
Examples from churches around the country. For other sources, see:
- Sources for Sunday Homilies
- Catholic Homilies
The Vineyard and the Farms: A Sermon for Palm Sunday
By N.T. Wright, top Scripture scholar and Anglican bishop of Durham, England. For other sermons by Bishop Wright:
- The Vine and the Branches (5th Sunday of Easter)
- New Law, New Temple, New World (Pentecost)
- Pentecost, Power and Politics (Pentecost Vigil)
- The Resurrection (Luke 20:27-38)
- True and False Comfort (Isaiah 40:1-11)
- The God of Love and Peace (Trinity Sunday)
- God's Richly Varied Wisdom (Joshua 1:1-9 and Ephesians 3:1-13)
- Transforming Culture
