Low Expectations and Catholic Preaching

First Things ^ | 4/04 | Fr. Richard Neuhaus

[Codie]

Protestants like "fire and brimstone" sermons.I prefer ones where there is hope.

[Aquinasfan]

And add that how many Catholics attending Mass know what the two parts of the Mass are?

Not many. Ignorance of the tenets of the faith is widespread and deep, nevermind the liturgy.

[Aquinasfan]

I can't imagine getting up in front of a congregation after an hour of preparation, or reading someone else's work.

It has to come from the heart, but there's nothing wrong with getting ideas or cues from dependable resources.

[saradippity]

I wish many more priests would read Homiletics and Pasdtoral Review and pray rather than coming up with their own interpretations of the Gospels. i have often said that aftr 35 years of hearing about hospitablity and tolerance and non-judgementalism sprinkled with a couple of lecture/sermon/homilies on detraction,gossip and scandal (which alwways alerted me to an upcoming public announcement that yet another member of the clergy was about to be exposed) I look forward to something intelligent and holy and meaningful. I also think it's self promoting to think everyone cares about some personal recollection of the priest.

Once in a while is great especially if reflects a Catholic experience that many can identify with but most of the time it's self promoting.

I am tired personal interpretations of the woman who was not stoned ending with don't criticize unless you are perfect. Never do they get to the point of "go and sin no more".

I am tired of the Goood Samaritan ending with "just who was the good neighbor",forgetting the end of the message which was that the GS took responsibility for the sick man's continuing care. He did not tell the innkeeper to "tack a surcharge" on the others staying at the inn.

I am also weary of the parable of the Prodigal Son which ends with a pep talk about God beckoning and welcoming even the most profligate sinner. Never do they say that the son was reentant and asked for forgiveness.

And,it would be nice to hear one of the "preachers" talk about Peter in some of the many gospels that provide an oppurtunity to hear about the Church and unity and the primacy of Peter. Oh no,we get everything but.

I think beter catechetics and more reading of what solid Catholic priest think as found in Homiletics etc. and more prayer in the Adoration chapel would be far more effective than trying to put what precious "me" (the priest)gets out of it.

In fairness I must add that we have some new young orthodox priests in our diocese who are excellent,far better than the older ones with their airy/fairy marxist ideas.

I know this is prettydisorganized but I need to go and I am just going to send it because it is an importanr subject.

[Codie]

What are you doing to further the kingdom?

[Onelifetogive]

Send your pastor a critique of his homily.

Might I recommend anonymously....he is, after all, the guy who decides whether your sins are forgiven or not....

[Campion]

No Catholic is required to confess to his pastor. Further, Canon Law (#980) prohibits confessors from denying absolution for any reason except the lack of proper disposition of the penitent. "I don't like him" doesn't cut it. Finally, every penitent is supposed to have the option to confess anonymously, from behind a screen.

[Salvation]

**I have a good friend who critiques me every Sunday that I preach, and he's brutal.**

I agree with everything you said here. And you are so fortunate to have a good friend that will be frank with you and offer constructive criticism.

I have critiqued talks for the Beginning Experience weekends and it is definitely a listening, processing, thinking and summarizing skill.

Anyway, kudos to you. I'm going to be down your way for the Beginning Experience convention in July. Just might look you up! LOL!

[Salvation]

**Perhaps we should give out the cards used by Olympic judges to grade ice skating. The average score for a homily may go from a 2.3 to a 5.9!**

Might be a good idea! LOL!

[topcat54]

Protestants like "fire and brimstone" sermons.I prefer ones where there is hope.

Why either/or? The point of "fire and brimstone" preaching is to make one aware that our only true hope is in the acomplished work of Jesus Christ alone.

Too many sappy homilies -- RC and protestant -- never offer true hope to the faithful.