What makes a homily good?

[FrStevenJones]

An excellent homily is one of the most things Catholics are looking for, especially at Sunday Mass. I had very good training in seminary, in homiletics. But I’m interested in hearing this from the perpective of the faithful in the pews; It helps me to hear your point of view. So, what makes a homily a “good” one versus a “bad” one?

 

[CB_Catholic]

An excellent homily is one of the most things Catholics are looking for, especially at Sunday Mass. I had very good training in seminary, in homiletics. But I’m interested in hearing this from the perpective of the faithful in the pews. It helps me to hear your point of view. So, what makes a homily a “good” one versus a “bad” one?

I don’t really consider any homilies bad, unless they are not orthodox in their content, but some sure can be boring. Often, when a newly ordained priest or deacon gets assigned to our parish, their homilies tend to be too “intellectual” or “theological” for the average person in the pew. Often they are too long and serious, and they don’t speak clearly, or speak too fast. After a while, most of them get better, though, but I do appreciate all the hard work that goes into one.

To me, the best homilies are those that are relatively short–say 7-10 minutes, clearly enunciated and not overly theological or intellectual–a teenager ought to be able to understand them. They should also come from the heart. The best homilist in our parish speaks directly, honestly, has a sense of humor, and can get to the heart of the readings and Gospel and show us how to apply them to our every day lives. He really has learned to prune away anything extraneous, while emphasizing what is important, and knows how to engage the congregation.

 

[zab]

GOOD THINGS
Words to get my interest and keeps it.

a little humor

an insightful message

a message that motivates me to want to live out life more faithfully or to have a deeper prayer life etc.

messages of mercy, love, healing , conversion

occasional reminders of things

THINGS TO AVOID
Too much repetition of the same thing over and over and over again and just when you thought it would end…and over again

Speaking in a monotone voice, especially a S L O W monotone voice

Speaking too long with nothing to hold my interest

Too much humor making the homily seem like a joke.

 

[graciew]

Good homilies for me,are the ones that introduce me to Jesus always from a different perspective.There is always a new chapter you want to hear about.And they become meaningful here and now as well.They move me to love and action.
I do not like elaborate intellectual homilies,I like when the heart of the homilist is present too.
I like simple language.I love Pope Francis´style.

 

[Ad_Orientem]

To me the most important thing is content. Solid instruction on faith, morals, and discipline, including what may happen to be “politically incorrect.” Not the priest’s personal opinions or pet issues, but Church teaching and consonant theology. He need not be an orator, entertaining, or exciting, if he gives me some meat.

It helps if the content is organized around a central point or theme, rather than the shotgun approach.

Anecdotes, illustrations, quotes, and *moderate *humor are helpful if they serve the main point, but I’m not there for stand up comedy. I like quotes from Scripture, Catechisms, Councils, Popes, Doctors, Fathers, Saints, etc, and especially stories from the lives of the Saints.

I like when the priest uses some theological vocabulary and explains what it means. If some of it goes over my head, that’s fine, because I can ask him later. But if it’s all preschool level, I come away feeling like I gained nothing.

I like homilies about virtue, not just in general terms (God is good, sin is bad) but actually discussing individual virtues and how to acquire them, and how to avoid and eliminate vices.

I don’t like it when every homily is about “stewardship.” Mainly because I feel like I’m missing out on teaching on other topics.

 

[josh987654321]

An excellent homily is one of the most things Catholics are looking for, especially at Sunday Mass. I had very good training in seminary, in homiletics. But I’m interested in hearing this from the perpective of the faithful in the pews; It helps me to hear your point of view. So, what makes a homily a “good” one versus a “bad” one?

Hi FrStevenJones

I think what makes a homily good, is by expressing the hard truths, not “tippy toeing” so to speak around issues in an effort not to offend anyone. Because there are many teachings where regardless of what you say someone will take exception to it, so there is no point trying to please everyone, focus on pleasing God.

I hunger for people to speak the hard truth’s without worrying whether they are going to offend someone or not, because the truth is the truth, say it with love, but don’t misunderstand preaching with love by compromising the message.

Jesus was very frank and clear when he spoke, so much so, that many took exception to many of his teachings, especially the Pharisees and teachers of the law. If someone isn’t taking exception to your teachings, than chances are the message isn’t getting across to them.

When I read Pope Francis homilies, they are very inspiring, because he is very clear cut, straight to the heart of the issue without fear that someone may take exception to what he is saying, solely focused on preaching the truth, in pleasing God.

Remember, all the apostles, accept for John were martyred because of their preaching, because they spoke the hard truths without fear that someone may take exception to them.

Matthew 15:12-20

12 Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?”

13 But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.”

15 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.”

16 So Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding? 17 Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. 20 These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”

The other thing that is essential for a good homily is great enthusiasm. Without enthusiasm you may as well be reading a story to your child to put them to sleep. When I play music, I am constantly told to “feel” what I am playing, If I cannot feel the music I am playing, than the ones listening will not “feel” it either, the exact same goes for a good homily, if you don’t “feel” what your saying, if your not enthusiastic, than the listeners will not be inspired by it and it will not bear any fruit.

Priest’s who preach with such lack of enthusiasm do much harm to souls.

Priest’s often under estimate how important they are to us and needed, they often under estimate the huge difference they make in our lives.

The word of God bears much fruit, you never know which people the message will penetrate deeply and make such a huge difference to their life and in turn to the life of many others. Allow the thirst for souls to consume you.

Here is an archive of many of Pope Francis’ homilies that are very good - drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BwykA6b5jMtMbkh5SlBHUEhHRTA&usp=sharing

I’ll pray for you. God Bless you.

Thank you for reading
Josh

 

[andrewstx]

I converted from an Evangelical denomination that always had 45 minute sermons. And they were boring as all get out. As a boy I would count the cinder blocks and the acoustical tiles. And then I learned to meditate as the years passed.

What makes a homily good to me is that it is interesting, orthodox, and brief.

 

[Jon_S_1]

An excellent homily is one of the most things Catholics are looking for, especially at Sunday Mass. I had very good training in seminary, in homiletics. But I’m interested in hearing this from the perpective of the faithful in the pews; It helps me to hear your point of view. So, what makes a homily a “good” one versus a “bad” one?

Kudos for asking the laity Father!

I love Fr Barron’s Homilies. I guess it comes down to something pertinent to the readings, orthodox, engaging, with a way to apply it practically.

 

[larsont7]

1. Content - must be orthodox, not opinionated, it should be interesting, and should help me grow in my spiritual life. My favorite homilies are those that have practical solutions to help me overcome different vices. I love when the priest is able to incorporate stories of the saints into the homily as well.
2. Delivery - not as important as content, but important nonetheless. If I can’t stay focused on the homily if it’s too dry or the priest is speaking in monotone, it won’t matter if it’s one of St. John Vianney’s homilies; it’d still go right past me. Inflection and enunciation go a long way.
3. Length - I think 15-20 minutes would be about the maximum I would want (it’s not a conference, after all). I’d say anything less than 7 or 8 minutes (if it’s a good homily anyway) would be too short. Of course, I’ve heard some homilies that I wish wouldn’t end, and others I wish would’ve ended before they started.

 

[josh987654321]

A lot of you are saying “short” or “brief” but how can it be a good homily if it only goes for a short time or is very brief? would you say the same for Pope Francis? Speak for 10 minutes and than shut up? what about Jesus Christ himself? “Keep it brief/short would ya Jesus.”?

I understand if it’s a bad homily you say “keep it short” but he wants to speak good homilies, an old priest I used to have would speak for over 30min and we enjoyed every second of it. Often the short homilies are the worst, because when someone doesn’t have much to say, they don’t say much. Where is the enthusiasm?

This is why FrStevenJones enthusiasm is so important, if you don’t have it, your flock wont either. Let the thirst for souls consume you. Don’t let the mass become some routine that lacks all enthusiasm, allow it to be another unique and loving encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ.

God Bless

Thank you for reading
Josh

 

[Warandpeace]

Hi FrStevenJones

I think what makes a homily good, is by expressing the hard truths, not “tippy toeing” so to speak around issues in an effort not to offend anyone. Because there are many teachings where regardless of what you say someone will take exception to it, so there is no point trying to please everyone, focus on pleasing God.

I hunger for people to speak the hard truth’s without worrying whether they are going to offend someone or not, because the truth is the truth, say it with love, but don’t misunderstand preaching with love by compromising the message.

Jesus was very frank and clear when he spoke, so much so, that many took exception to many of his teachings, especially the Pharisees and teachers of the law. If someone isn’t taking exception to your teachings, than chances are the message isn’t getting across to them.

When I read Pope Francis homilies, they are very inspiring, because he is very clear cut, straight to the heart of the issue without fear that someone may take exception to what he is saying, solely focused on preaching the truth, in pleasing God.

Remember, all the apostles, accept for John were martyred because of their preaching, because they spoke the hard truths without fear that someone may take exception to them.

The other thing that is essential for a good homily is great enthusiasm. Without enthusiasm you may as well be reading a story to your child to put them to sleep. When I play music, I am constantly told to “feel” what I am playing, If I cannot feel the music I am playing, than the ones listening will not “feel” it either, the exact same goes for a good homily, if you don’t “feel” what your saying, if your not enthusiastic, than the listeners will not be inspired by it and it will not bear any fruit.

Priest’s who preach with such lack of enthusiasm do much harm to souls.

Priest’s often under estimate how important they are to us and needed, they often under estimate the huge difference they make in our lives.

The word of God bears much fruit, you never know which people the message will penetrate deeply and make such a huge difference to their life and in turn to the life of many others. Allow the thirst for souls to consume you.

Here is an archive of many of Pope Francis’ homilies that are very good - drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BwykA6b5jMtMbkh5SlBHUEhHRTA&usp=sharing

I’ll pray for you. God Bless you.

Thank you for reading
Josh

:bowdown2:

 

[Usige]

First I would say homilies should be catechetical and related to the readings as much as possible. I dislike homilies that are anecdotes that really have nothing to do with the readings and simply say “just be good and love each other.”

I like homilies that challenge me to more closely follow and imitate Christ. Those homilies are the ones that ask me to acknowledge my failings and then do something about it. If the Church is a hospital for sinners as so many here like to say, then we should feel slightly uncomfortable with what we hear and come away with a desire to amend our lives. If the majority of homilies are an “I’m okay, you’re okay” love fest then why would people think they would need to do better? It doesn’t need to be a fire and brimstone type thing, but generic things that just say “Jesus loves you” mean nothing if we can’t carry that love to the world.

In essence I want homilies that make me feel something akin to Simon of Cyrene. I like homilies that encourage me to help carry the cross even when I would prefer to sit back in the crowd of onlookers.

As part of that there should be opportunities to live out the Gospel message. In other words if the Gospel is about taking care of the poor then there should be concrete examples mentioned in the homily or resources in the bulletin on how to do that (e.g. number to volunteer at a food bank, contacts for a shelter, parish work camps, etc.) When we are sent to live the the Gospel we shouldn’t just be left to figure out how without some guidance.

 

[IrishRush]

I love homilies that truly teach. Humor is good, in a small part, but having the priest (or deacon) explain how the readings, or Gospel can be interpreted and applied to modern life is helpful to me. Sometimes I can’t figure out how to apply it in the modern world. Our pastor is wonderful at incorporating all 3 readings into his homilies, and bringing it to us with a perspective that lets us apply it to ourselves.
And of course, brevity.

 

[mcrts]

It’s quite subjective, because everyone likes different things. Also, the delivery of the priest makes it quite different. Two priests may speak on the same topic, but they may approach it in a different way.

For me, I like theological topics. It’s very interesting to find out why we believe the things we do. Of course, it’s difficult to make something so dry sound interesting, but I feel that some priests really have a knack for doing it. They do it by adding “real life” stories and experiences. It forms connections in people’s minds that faith isn’t something you just “do” on Sundays- it should be lived every day.

I also like hearing about the historical context of the Gospel. It’s something fresh on a story which the layperson would have heard a thousandth time. It sparks the imagination and you get a clearer picture of something which is seemingly dull and mundane.

Of course, the stories of the saints are always a big hit!

For me, I don’t mind the amount of time spent on the homily. If it’s really sound theology or good content, it does a great disservice to Our Lord for the priest to have to rush through the homily, just to meet some time limit. Many a wavering soul have been converted through the words of the priest at the pulpit.

God Bless!

 

[mcrts]

A lot of you are saying “short” or “brief” but how can it be a good homily if it only goes for a short time or is very brief? would you say the same for Pope Francis? Speak for 10 minutes and than shut up? what about Jesus Christ himself? “Keep it brief/short would ya Jesus.”?

I understand if it’s a bad homily you say “keep it short” but he wants to speak good homilies, an old priest I used to have would speak for over 30min and we enjoyed every second of it. Often the short homilies are the worst, because when someone doesn’t have much to say, they don’t say much. Where is the enthusiasm?

This is why FrStevenJones enthusiasm is so important, if you don’t have it, your flock wont either. Let the thirst for souls consume you. Don’t let the mass become some routine that lacks all enthusiasm, allow it to be another unique and loving encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ.

God Bless

Thank you for reading
Josh

:yup: Exactly.

 

[Marysann]

Dear Father, I want to thank you for all of your threads from which you are trying to get feed back from us ordinary Catholics. There are a lot of fine, well thought out posts here, but mine will be short. I am impressed when a priest show us how to deal with the common sins which we all face, which may be personal sins or sins resulting from attitudes fostered by the present culture. I know that the homily is supposed to relate to the scripture reading in some way, but I am sure that any knowledgable priest can find something in one of the three readings or the psalm which can lead in the direction in which he wants to go. If I squirm or feel uncomfortable after the homily, I know it was a good one!

 

[Aramis]

An excellent homily is one of the most things Catholics are looking for, especially at Sunday Mass. I had very good training in seminary, in homiletics. But I’m interested in hearing this from the perpective of the faithful in the pews; It helps me to hear your point of view. So, what makes a homily a “good” one versus a “bad” one?

Good:

1. Relevant to the lections and gospels
2. Faithful to the church teachings
3. relevant to modern life
4. interesting (as in, not boring)
5. Not past 5-8 minutes. (My attention span is about 8-10 minutes…)

Lacking items 1 & 2 is “time to write the bishop”…

 

[JRKH]

An excellent homily is one of the most things Catholics are looking for, especially at Sunday Mass. I had very good training in seminary, in homiletics. But I’m interested in hearing this from the perpective of the faithful in the pews; It helps me to hear your point of view. So, what makes a homily a “good” one versus a “bad” one?

Father,
Have not read any of the replies yet so I may repeat.

I suggest that there are three things that make a homily good.
Truth - Conviction - Delivery -

Truth - Can’t emphasize this enough. Not “convenient truth”, but Truth that is challenging. We live in times that are troubling in many ways. The pastor who can truly lead will be a blessing to his flock and that leadership must be grounded in the Truth of the faith along with a loving, humble, but firm desire to live out that faith and to bring his flock along with him.

Conviction - The more convicted you are in what you are saying, the better you will be able to convey it. However - there is danger in this one and some have allowed their convictions to cause them to teach things contrary to the Truth of the faith. It is important that magisterial teaching trump personal opinion…

Delivery - The previous two are things that must come from the heart. This one is a skill that often has to be learned because many are not “natural” orators. Yet this ability greatly enhances the ability to convey the previous two.
Of course with this last one, there have been many books written on how to be a good and effective speaker.

One last thing…IMHO…don’t go wandering around. The pulpit is there for a reason…USE it. Personally, I find it distracting when priests wander off from the pulpit and especially when they wander down among the pews.

Hope this helps a little.

Peace
James

 

[JRKH]

A lot of you are saying “short” or “brief” but how can it be a good homily if it only goes for a short time or is very brief? would you say the same for Pope Francis? Speak for 10 minutes and than shut up? what about Jesus Christ himself? “Keep it brief/short would ya Jesus.”?

I understand if it’s a bad homily you say “keep it short” but he wants to speak good homilies, an old priest I used to have would speak for over 30min and we enjoyed every second of it. Often the short homilies are the worst, because when someone doesn’t have much to say, they don’t say much. Where is the enthusiasm?

This is why FrStevenJones enthusiasm is so important, if you don’t have it, your flock wont either. Let the thirst for souls consume you. Don’t let the mass become some routine that lacks all enthusiasm, allow it to be another unique and loving encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ.

God Bless

Thank you for reading
Josh

Josh,
You make a good point here…but methinks it must be tempered with two things.
First, There are often time constraints involved due to multiple masses on a given Sunday.
Two, depending on the subject matter, we (or at least I) don’t really want my mind overly distracted from what is about to occur…The Liturgy of the Eucharist.
In fact, in regards to this point and the point of the thread, a priest can perhaps give his greatest homily simply by how he celebrates the Eucharist. How the priest approaches and reads the prayers along with his every action conveys much to his flock.

That said, I agree that there are times, places and circumstances where longer homilies are appropriate. However - such are not often possible and in truth I can say that I have many times gotten as much or more out of a weekday 2 minute homily than I have gotten out of a longer and more involved one.

Peace
James

 

[JRKH]

Father,
I may be off base here…but there is something that I feel compelled to share that is sort of related tot he topic.

Often times, it seems to me, that our faith is not properly tied together with the two great commands of Mt 22:36-40, and Jesus command in John 13:34-35.
It seems to me that people either lean too heavily on “rules” without a proper understanding of the core and underpinnings of those rules in agape…OR… people lean too heavily on “love” and apply it too broadly and using an improper understanding of how agape, properly understood and applied, is reflected in all the teachings of the Church.

Just a thought…

Peace
James