Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, preaching at St. Matthew’s Church in Surrey. (BCC file photo)
I read with interest your July 30 article “The Joy of Preaching” and would like to share my perspective on what I consider good preaching.
I have listened to a great many preachers throughout seven decades of my life, in many languages and in different countries, and can honestly say that only a very few preachers have the gift of delivering a “Jesus message” for me to reflect on and relate to in my daily life. Preaching requires a special gift from God that is designed to draw the listener deeper into the Gospel message and thus bring the listener more fully into the great mystery of the Eucharist.
Many of the homilies I have heard are so dry and dusty, full of quotations and without continuity, that I am distracted at the outset. Once distracted, the message, if there was one, is lost.
Homilies should capture the attention of all parishioners whether young or old or of different cultures and aptitudes. Not an easy task I know.
I hope in formation of our seminarians great attention will be paid to the art of preaching and I encourage all of our priests to pay great attention to the deliverance of homilies. As the article said, “for many, Sunday Mass is the only spiritual nourishment of their week.” Homilies are important.
You asked for examples of great preaching. Three preachers who have given me great spiritual sustenance through their preaching are Gary Gordon, Father Nelson Santos, and Father Emmanuel Onumadu (now in the Diocese of Kamloops). May God bless them and all our priests. I invite all Catholics to pray for our priests that the Holy Spirit will inspire them and guide them in the joy of preaching.
Sheila Giouto
Chilliwack