The Thematic Programming of the Homily Preaching

Abstract

Article deals with the issue of thematic programming of preaching during the Holy Mass in the course of the liturgical year. At first the reason is indicated, why such programming should be taken into consideration. The reason is the need for homilies rich in biblical, liturgical as well as catechetical content. The bishops participating in both the synod on the Eucharist and the synod on the Word of God, and then popes Benedict XVI and Francis called for such an enrichment of the homilies preached by the bishops, priests and deacons. The article discusses the recent history of the thematic programming of liturgical preaching, going out from the renewal of the sources of ecclesiastical preaching by the Second Vatican Council. The suggestions of thematic programming of the homily preaching were already reported during the works of the last council. The examples of such programming can be found in both the United States and in Poland. They are however very different. Then the subject of programming the liturgical preaching is developed as discussed in the last Homiletic Directory. What one can find there, is the emphasis on the liturgical nature of the homily, and on the paschal mystery of Christ as the primary goal and hermeneutical criterion for the homily, as well as on the liturgical year as the fundament for such thematic programming of the homilies preached during the liturgical year. So the programming of the homilies is possible and even beneficial, provided that it respects the liturgical nature of homilies and shall be based not on the catechism, but on the mystery celebrated in the liturgical year, taking into account the audience.