108
somewhat meticulously, on the homily and its
preparation, since so many concerns have been
expressed about this important ministry, and we
cannot simply ignore them. The homily is the
touchstone for judging a pastorâs closeness and
ability to communicate to his people. We know
that the faithful attach great importance to it, and
that both they and their ordained ministers suffer
because of homilies: the laity from having to lis-
ten to them and the clergy from having to preach
them! It is sad that this is the case. The homily
can actually be an intense and happy experience
of the Spirit, a consoling encounter with Godâs
word, a constant source of renewal and growth.
136.âLet us renew our confidence in preaching,
based on the conviction that it is God who seeks
to reach out to others through the preacher, and
that he displays his power through human words.
Saint Paul speaks forcefully about the need to
preach, since the Lord desires to reach other peo-
ple by means of our word (cf.
Rom
10:14-17). By
his words our Lord won over the hearts of the
people; they came to hear him from all parts (cf.
Mk
1:45); they were amazed at his teachings (cf.
Mk
6:2), and they sensed that he spoke to them
as one with authority (cf.
Mk
1:27). By their
words the apostles, whom Christ established âto
be with him and to be sent out to preachâ (
Mk
3:14), brought all nations to the bosom of the
Church (cf.
Mt
16:15.20).
