SIN (Did I get your attention?)
A current thread on Domenico Bettinelli's web log discusses the fact that people aren't hearing about specific sins from the pulpit in their parishes. It's an interesting topic and one that, I'm sure, every priest and deacon wrestles with. I posted the following:
One of the reasons for the restoration of the permanent diaconate was to incorporate the voice of husbands and fathers into the liturgy through the homily. If nothing else, living in a house with five other sinners gives me a perspective on sin that the pastor doesn't have.
In fact, right now my family is going through a serious crisis involving one of my kids and sin. I won't go into the details here, or from the pulpit, but I will tell you that it's tearing me up inside. I can certainly talk about this particular problem with a lot more conviction than I could have just a week ago, and I will.
One problem though, is that most of the people in my parish are older. Many, if not most, of them have grandchildren older than my children. If I would speak on Internet pornography, or premarital sex, or any of the sins of the flesh to this group, many of them would look at me with blank stares. On the other hand, I've always thought that if a homily saved just one person, it was worth the effort.
Of course, I also have the disadvantage of not being a priest and not being in charge. My pastor has never been critical of anything I've said. But, I'm always aware of the fact that I can only preach with his permission.
I'll admit that I rarely address specific sins. But, on a recent weekend, I did tell my parishioners that some of them are going to hell. I expected to get some negative feedback, but in fact got only positive responses. What surprised me the most was a compliment from a particular parishioner who NEVER comments about anything I say.
I honestly believe that the folks in the pews are actually hungry for some practical guidance on how they can live their lives, and more importantly, how they can assure themselves a good spot in heaven.
Interestingly, the readings for the 27th of November, my next weekend to preach, are very much about sin. It's also the first Sunday of Advent. Based on the comments here, and what's going on in my life right now, I will ask the Holy Spirit to inspire me to prepare a homily along the lines suggested here.
I will post it on my blog the weekend of the 27th and report on the reaction, if any.
One of the reasons for the restoration of the permanent diaconate was to incorporate the voice of husbands and fathers into the liturgy through the homily. If nothing else, living in a house with five other sinners gives me a perspective on sin that the pastor doesn't have.
In fact, right now my family is going through a serious crisis involving one of my kids and sin. I won't go into the details here, or from the pulpit, but I will tell you that it's tearing me up inside. I can certainly talk about this particular problem with a lot more conviction than I could have just a week ago, and I will.
One problem though, is that most of the people in my parish are older. Many, if not most, of them have grandchildren older than my children. If I would speak on Internet pornography, or premarital sex, or any of the sins of the flesh to this group, many of them would look at me with blank stares. On the other hand, I've always thought that if a homily saved just one person, it was worth the effort.
Of course, I also have the disadvantage of not being a priest and not being in charge. My pastor has never been critical of anything I've said. But, I'm always aware of the fact that I can only preach with his permission.
I'll admit that I rarely address specific sins. But, on a recent weekend, I did tell my parishioners that some of them are going to hell. I expected to get some negative feedback, but in fact got only positive responses. What surprised me the most was a compliment from a particular parishioner who NEVER comments about anything I say.
I honestly believe that the folks in the pews are actually hungry for some practical guidance on how they can live their lives, and more importantly, how they can assure themselves a good spot in heaven.
Interestingly, the readings for the 27th of November, my next weekend to preach, are very much about sin. It's also the first Sunday of Advent. Based on the comments here, and what's going on in my life right now, I will ask the Holy Spirit to inspire me to prepare a homily along the lines suggested here.
I will post it on my blog the weekend of the 27th and report on the reaction, if any.
posted by Mike at 7:26 AM
1 Comments:
"I've never read or heard this. Do you have a reference?"
The idea of using our experience as husbands and fathers was a fairly consistent theme throughout our formation. One specific citation concerning preaching would be from the "National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons.", number 149 which says, in part "The deacon, because of his familiarity with the day-to-day realities and rhythms of the family, neighborhood, and workplace, can relate the rich tradition of Catholic social teaching to the practical problems experienced by people.
There are others, but I'm not at home right now to look them up.
"How did you come by this information?"
As to your second question, the Gospel for that particular Sunday was from the 16th chapter of Matthew. Jesus tells the Apostles that He will return in glory and "judge each according to his conduct."
Some of us will be judged worthy, some won't. Do I know the how anyone's judgement will turn out? Of course not. But when I said that some of us would be going to hell, I believe that's a true statement. Read the homily here.
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