124
reunion, a moment of disappointment, the fear
of being alone, compassion at the sufferings of
others, uncertainty about the future, concern for
a loved one, and so forth. But we need to devel-
op a broad and profound sensitivity to what real-
ly affects other peopleâs lives. Let us also keep in
mind that we should never respond to questions
that nobody asks. Nor is it fitting to talk about
the latest news in order to awaken peopleâs inter-
est; we have television programmes for that. It
is possible, however, to start with some fact or
story so that Godâs word can forcefully resound
in its call to conversion, worship, commitment to
fraternity and service, and so forth. Yet there will
always be some who readily listen to a preacherâs
commentaries on current affairs, while not let-
ting themselves be challenged.
Homiletic resources
156.âSome people think they can be good
preachers because they know what ought to be
said, but they pay no attention to how
it should
be said, that is, the concrete way of constructing a
sermon. They complain when people do not lis-
ten to or appreciate them, but perhaps they have
never taken the trouble to find the proper way of
presenting their message. Let us remember that
âthe obvious importance of the content of evan-
gelization must not overshadow the importance
