US bishops to consider document on preaching
CWN – October 11, 2012
During its annual fall meeting, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will discuss whether to approve a document entitled “Preaching the Mystery of Faith: The Sunday Homily.”
“The ultimate goal of proclaiming the Gospel is to lead people into a loving and intimate relationship with the Lord, a relationship that forms the character of their persons and guides them in living out their faith,” states the draft document, which was prepared by a committee chaired by Archbishop Robert Carlson of St. Louis. “The homilist should strive to live a life of holiness” and “see the world through biblical eyes.”
“Preachers should be aware, in an appropriate way, of what their people are watching on television, what kind of music they are listening to, which websites they find appealing, and which films they find compelling,” the document continues. “References to the more popular cultural expressions—which at times can be surprisingly replete with religious motifs—can be an effective way to engage the interest of those on the edge of faith.”
The homily, the document adds, is not a “time for theological speculation,” and “it is inappropriate for the homilist to impose on the congregation his own partisan views about current issues.”
Additional sources for this story: Preaching Document On Agenda For Fall Bishops’ Meeting (USCCB) www.usccb.org/news/2012/12-161.cfm