According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, the homily is an integral part of the Liturgy and is vital for nurturing the Christian life. It should explain the readings from Sacred Scripture or another relevant text, considering the mystery celebrated and the needs of the listeners. Typically, the priest celebrant delivers the homily, but it can also be given by a concelebrating priest or a deacon, never by a layperson. Bishops or priests not concelebrating may give the homily for a just cause. Homilies are strongly recommended on Sundays and holy days of obligation at all Masses with a congregation and should not be omitted without a serious reason. They are also encouraged on other significant days and occasions.
While the homily is integral and vital, it is not an essential component of the Catholic Mass, meaning that the liturgy retains its sacred quality and validity even if omitted. Just as the Introductory Rites and the Creed share a noble purpose, the homily is part of those non-optional-dispensable movements within the liturgy. Its role is to deepen the understanding of the mystery celebrated, to connect the faithful with the divine message, and to address the needs of the listeners. However, in its absence, the liturgy continues its profound rhythm, undisturbed, maintaining its essence.
Nevertheless, the homily stands apart from other non-optional-dispensable parts of the liturgy in its unique nature. Unlike the fixed prayers and rituals, which are the direct words and actions of Christ and His Church, the homily often reflects the personal insights and reflections of the homilist. It is akin to the optional-dispensable elements such as the ‘opening remarks’ and ‘brief announcements’ in that it frequently consists of the speaker’s own words, though ideally always grounded in the sacred texts and teachings of the Church.
During the liturgy, every part, except those optional-dispensable elements, calls upon the priest and the congregation to engage in what our Holy Father Dominic encouraged: to speak only to or about God. The prescribed prayers and readings ensure that we do so in unity with the entire Church and our specific liturgical tradition. The homily, though delivered through the personal faculties of the homilist, should always strive to illuminate the divine message within the readings and the mystery celebrated, avoiding the sins of self-indulgence, vanity, pride, and heresy.
In essence, the homily is a bridge between the timeless truths of the faith and the contemporary lives of the faithful. It enriches the liturgy, providing depth and connection, yet its absence does not diminish the sacred rhythm of the Mass, which continues to resonate with profound sanctity and spiritual nourishment.
However, it is common in contemporary practice to overemphasize the homily, mistakenly elevating it to the most crucial component of the liturgy. Some Catholic Churches even guard the doors to the nave during the homily to avoid disturbances, barring the faithful from entering or exiting the nave.
How did this distortion occur? It is easy to identify several contributing factors. The influence of Protestant traditions, where the sermon holds the central place in their services due to the absence of a sacrificial liturgy, has undoubtedly seeped into Catholic practice. Additionally, our modern culture’s inclination towards immediate gratification and affirmation through words rather than embracing the perpetual significance of the Cross has shifted focus. Consequently, the homilist’s eloquence and wit often overshadow the immense and timeless act of Christ’s sacrifice.
Moreover, the Novus Ordo practice of versus populum, where the priest faces the congregation, has arguably fostered a more performative atmosphere. In this setting, the priest is seen more as a presenter to an audience than as a celebrant leading the faithful in sacred mystery. This dynamic subtly reshapes the liturgical experience, leading both priests and congregation down a path of misplaced emphasis.
In truth, while a well-crafted homily can enhance the liturgical experience, it must always remain secondary to the profound sanctity of the Mass itself. The liturgy, in its entirety, is a divine symphony of prayer and ritual, each element playing its part in guiding the faithful closer to the mysteries of faith. At its essence, the liturgy is not a ‘what,’ but, rather, a ‘who’ – Jesus Christ who we physically and metaphysically commune with and touch. Therefore, the homily, though valuable, should never eclipse the sacred rhythm that sustains the spiritual life of the Church.
IN SUMMARY:
The homily is an important part of the Catholic Mass, but it is not the most crucial component, and the liturgy retains its sanctity even without it.
- Role of the Homily: The homily is integral to the Liturgy, aimed at explaining Sacred Scripture and nurturing the Christian life, typically delivered by a priest or deacon, but it is not essential for the Mass’s validity.
- Nature of the Homily: Unlike fixed prayers and rituals, the homily reflects the personal insights of the homilist and should aim to illuminate the divine message while avoiding self-indulgence and heresy.
- Misplaced Emphasis: The contemporary overemphasis on the homily, influenced by Protestant traditions and modern culture, can overshadow the primary focus of the Mass, which is the sacred act of Christ’s sacrifice.
