What is the difference between a homily and a sermon?

  • Thread starter Thread starter SeanF1989
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
SeanF1989 said:
Is there even a difference?
Click to expand...
Definition:
a religious discourse that is intended primarily for spiritual edification rather than doctrinal instruction; a sermon.
synonyms: sermon, lecture, discourse, address, lesson, talk, speech, oration

So all homilies are by definition are a sermon.
 
WT1 said:
Definition:
a religious discourse that is intended primarily for spiritual edification rather than doctrinal instruction; a sermon.
synonyms: sermon, lecture, discourse, address, lesson, talk, speech, oration

So all homilies are by definition are a sermon.
Click to expand...
But not all sermons are homilies. I always was taught that a homily opens up a specific scripture, while a sermon can be a spiritual discussion of any topic.
 
Tarpeian_Rock said:
But not all sermons are homilies. I always was taught that a homily opens up a specific scripture, while a sermon can be a spiritual discussion of any topic.
Click to expand...
You are essentially correct. A homily, by its nature, is about the scripture readings of the Mass or it can also, actually, be about a liturgical text. Thus, it could be about the opening collect or other Mass prayers, either from the ordinary or propers of the Mass. As you say, a sermon is not so specific and can be on any spiritual topic.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal specifies that the one preaching at Masses of obligation should give a homily and that it is not to be omitted without a serious reason.
 
Historically, at least, homilies were about the scriptures while sermons were about doctrine - reflective of a Catholic / Protestant divide which became blurred around the time of the counter-Reformation when there was a need to catechise the faithful. Incidentally, this distinction is also reflected in liturgical architecture with Protestant churches having pulpits and Catholic churches having ambos - although again the distinction these days has become considerably blurred.
 
InThePew said:
Historically, at least, homilies were about the scriptures while sermons were about doctrine - reflective of a Catholic / Protestant divide which became blurred around the time of the counter-Reformation when there was a need to catechise the faithful. Incidentally, this distinction is also reflected in liturgical architecture with Protestant churches having pulpits and Catholic churches having ambos - although again the distinction these days has become considerably blurred.
Click to expand...
but I heard many “sermons” based on scripture before I became Catholic.
 
I always assumed the words meant the same thing. My mother called the homily a “sermon,” and that seems to be the word non-Catholics use.
Don_Ruggero said:
You are essentially correct. A homily, by its nature, is about the scripture readings of the Mass or it can also, actually, be about a liturgical text. Thus, it could be about the opening collect or other Mass prayers, either from the ordinary or propers of the Mass. As you say, a sermon is not so specific and can be on any spiritual topic.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal specifies that the one preaching at Masses of obligation should give a homily and that it is not to be omitted without a serious reason.
Click to expand...
7_Sorrows said:
but I heard many “sermons” based on scripture before I became Catholic.
Click to expand...
And just the opposite of that; sometimes the “homily” isn’t about Scripture or something else in the Mass; sometimes the priest will turn the podium over to a visitor to promote one of the missions.
 
signit said:
My mother called the homily a “sermon,” and that seems to be the word non-Catholics use.
Click to expand...
That’s the word that was used in a Catholic context in years gone by, and it’s also the word that Protestants use.

‘Homily’ is a word that seems to have come into vogue in a Catholic context over the past 50 years or so…
I always assumed the words meant the same thing.
Click to expand...
For all practical purposes, when a Catholic uses either word, he’s talking about the same thing. The technical distinction between the two words is typically never referenced in a Catholic context, except in highly technical discussions!
 
signit said:
I always assumed the words meant the same thing. My mother called the homily a “sermon,” and that seems to be the word non-Catholics use.

‘Homily’ is a word that seems to have come into vogue in a Catholic context over the past 50 years or so…
Click to expand...
Prior to the reforms mandated by Vatican II, the sermon was used much more widely. That is not the case today and the GIRM explicitly delineates the circumstances in which what is to be given is a homily, the nature and content of which the GIRM explains. Seminarians, in the context of their study of pastoral theology, should receive formation in the distinction as well as academic and practical instruction on these points.
And just the opposite of that; sometimes the “homily” isn’t about Scripture or something else in the Mass; sometimes the priest will turn the podium over to a visitor to promote one of the missions.
Click to expand...
There are certainly mission appeals as well as pastoral letters from the diocesan bishop, which he will mandate to be read in place of a homily given, so that he can address all the members of his flock on a subject he considers of importance – but such fall under the serious reason to omit a homily provision in the GIRM. Outside lawful exception, the norm remains the homily for those occasions when it is mandated and it’s omission is not to be done lightly.

From the GIRM: “There is to be a Homily on Sundays and holy days of obligation at all Masses that are celebrated with the participation of a congregation; it may not be omitted without a serious reason.”

This citation in the GIRM is all but a direct quote from paragraph 52 of Sacrosanctum Concilium, paragraph 52: “By means of the homily the mysteries of the faith and the guiding principles of the Christian life are expounded from the sacred text, during the course of the liturgical year; the homily, therefore, is to be highly esteemed as part of the liturgy itself; in fact, at those Masses which are celebrated with the assistance of the people on Sundays and feasts of obligation, it should not be omitted except for a serious reason.”

It may be considered “highly technical”…I certainly would not consider it such at all…but the terms are assuredly not synonymous. A priest should not be giving sermons where homilies are explicitly prescribed. They are two distinct genre.
 
7_Sorrows said:
but I heard many “sermons” based on scripture before I became Catholic.
Click to expand...
In the post-reformation era, preaching doctrine became commonplace in Catholic liturgy, while Protestant Churches focussed on scripture. Post-VII this changed with a renewed emphasis placed on scripture within the mass. So now the difference between “homily” and “sermon” is almost non-existent! This book explains it well.
signit said:
And just the opposite of that; sometimes the “homily” isn’t about Scripture or something else in the Mass; sometimes the priest will turn the podium over to a visitor to promote one of the missions.
Click to expand...
In which case it’s not a homily (or a sermon).
 
Our priest hardly ever does a Sunday homily.

After reading the gospel he just trudges back to his chair, sits down and starts the Apostles Creed.

The bishop is well aware and not concerned or bothered about this at all.
 
Shy_Catholic said:
Our priest hardly ever does a Sunday homily.

After reading the gospel he just trudges back to his chair, sits down and starts the Apostles Creed.

The bishop is well aware and not concerned or bothered about this at all.
Click to expand...
No homily?! That is sad. I thought that was an opportunity for the priest to shepherd his flock.
 
Don_Ruggero said:
You are essentially correct. A homily, by its nature, is about the scripture readings of the Mass or it can also, actually, be about a liturgical text. Thus, it could be about the opening collect or other Mass prayers, either from the ordinary or propers of the Mass. As you say, a **sermon **is not so specific and can be on any spiritual topic.
Click to expand...
So *that’s *why it’s the “Sermon on the Mount”, not the “Homily on the Hilltop”! :newidea:
 
7_Sorrows said:
No homily?! That is sad. I thought that was an opportunity for the priest to shepherd his flock.
Click to expand...
Indeed very sad and hugely disappointing silence from the bishop. No wonder our parish is struggling. I pray for my priest every day.
 
Shy_Catholic said:
Indeed very sad and hugely disappointing silence from the bishop. No wonder our parish is struggling. I pray for my priest every day.
Click to expand...
Sounds depressing. How is the spiritual health of your parish? Maybe there are not enough complaints to the Bishop.
 
7_Sorrows said:
Sounds depressing. How is the spiritual health of your parish? Maybe there are not enough complaints to the Bishop.
Click to expand...
Quite a few people have complained and/or gone elsewhere. How many does it take for anything to be done about it? On the other hand a lot of people love the fact that he races through the service and doesn’t preach.🤷
 
Shy_Catholic said:
Quite a few people have complained and/or gone elsewhere. How many does it take for anything to be done about it? On the other hand a lot of people love the fact that he races through the service and doesn’t preach.🤷
Click to expand...
go figure! :confused: Sounds like they want the Mass to hurry and end so they can continue with their weekend activities.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top