It’s also known as a sermon…
Today’s Lenten Lesson: The Homily
I think it was St. Paul who set the record for the longest homily ever. It might have been ten hours.
That’s right. The homily lasted all night long, and it took place in Troas, and a young man named Eutychus fell asleep during the homily, tumbled out of the third story window where he was sitting on the window sill, and died. St. Paul resuscitated him and then continued the rest of his homily until dawn. True Story. You can read it for yourself in the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 20.
These days, Pope Francis encourages us to “Speak concisely. Say much in few words.” Homilies should be related to the Readings of the Mass, and be clear, concise, convincing, and inspiring. But more important than the preparation of the homily, is the preparation of the homilist. So don’t forget to pray for your priests!
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