POPE Francis’ homilies are getting popular nowadays. One of the reasons is that they’re simple, clear, practical, down-to-earth, honest, direct to the point, and devoid of highfalutin theological discourse.
For example, some months ago when he preached at a Mass with Vatican medical staff and office of Vatican City government, he reflected on the destructive and divisive power of gossip. He said: “When we prefer to gossip, gossip about others, criticize others- these are everyday things that happen to everyone, including me – these are the temptations of the evil one who does not want the Spirit to come to us and bring about peace and meekness in the Christian community”. He added that “these struggles always exist in the parish, in the family, in the neighborhood, and among friends.” He then outlined the correct behavior for a Christian. First, “do not judge anyone” because “the only Judge is the Lord.” Then “keep quiet” and if you have something to say, say it to the interested parties, to those “who can remedy the situation,” but “not to the entire neighborhood.”
Another example was his homily to seminarians and novices on the nature of their calling. “To become a priest or a religious is not primarily our choice. It is our answer to a calling, a calling of love, “ he spoke to them. Then, very candidly and seriously but with a slight humor he told them, “If you find a seminarian, priest, nun, with a long, sad face, if it seems as if in their life someone threw a wet blanket over them, then one should conclude it is a psychiatric problem, they can leave–buenos dias”. He reminded them to transmit joy in their calling and not to fall into the trappings of materialism such as “the latest of the smartphone, the fastest scooter, the car that attracts attention”. “But I tell you,” he remarked, “really, I feel badly when I see a priest or a nun with the latest model car.”
Pope Francis’ homilies usually convict us and bring us to the true purpose of life and our particular callings. They have been often quoted on social networks or have become the staple of conversation in social gatherings and intimate meetings among clergy, religious, and lay people.
This is really good for our Church, isn’t it? We need more homilies that connect with life and challenge our lifestyles and perspectives. We need homilies that are not lofty, too academic, and pompous. Really, we need down-to-earth preachings in which the Word of God becomes so near to us, just as what the Book of Deuteronomy says in this Sunday’s Readings: “For this command that I enjoin on you today is not too mysterious and remote for you. It is not up in the sky…nor it across the sea…No, it is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts, you have only to carry it out.”
We’ll just have to be reminded of Jesus’ preaching over and over again. Every time he preached he would do it by using familiar and real-life stories, just like in this Sunday’s Gospel when a scholar of the law asked him, “And who is my neighbor?” Then, as usual, Jesus would answer in stories that were seen, heard, and already lived in the hearts of men and women.
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Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas attended St. John Seminary in Camarillo, California and earned his Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri. For twenty years, he has been in the parish ministry of large multi-cultural communities. Since 2002, he has been the pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Los Angeles. Please email Fr. Rodel at [email protected].