7 Topics I Want To Hear More From Church Homilies

A priest saying a homily during Catholic mass — Image from Canva Pro

We Catholics go to mass at least weekly. That is about 52 times in a year. If you have attended weekly mass for the last ten years, then you have listened to a homily 520 times!

Considering this number, we can learn so much just by listening every week to our parish priest’s homily. And this does not even count those who attend daily mass.

I am truly grateful for all the priests who have responded to God’s call, working day and night to serve Him and to take care of His flock.

Through the years, I have learned so much from their homilies, and I would like to learn more even now! Especially now, when our world is quickly becoming more secular each day.

Here is a list of some topics I hope I could hear more from Church homilies:

1. Miracles

Yes, I want to hear more about miracles. Miracles that happened then, and miracles that are still happening today.

We’re in an age when those who speak about miracles are scorned for being backward or superstitious, but let us try to help the people realize that miracles are true signs of God’s existence, power and love.

Let us hear about the healings occurring in Lourdes, especially those healings that cannot be medically explained. These are, after all, what we can properly call “miraculous healings”.

So many people are in need of miracles. We may not always experience them, but we can have hope in God and believe that with Him, there is nothing impossible.

2. Conversion stories

What prompts an atheist to believe in God? What could be the reason people from other religions convert to Catholicism?

These accounts are authentic and concrete testimonies of the power of God that is at work in the lives of His people.

Let us hear about them. And perhaps, we may also experience our own conversion. A deeper calling and a greater realization about God.

3. The lives of saints

Saints may have walked this earth from a time that has already passed, but their legacy lives on.

We can learn so much from the lives of saints. How were they able to live out heroic virtues? How do we also become more fervent in the exercise of our faith?

There are so many saints that can teach us about spiritual growth, saints we can relate to or even invoke for intercession in prayer.

4. Catechism and apologetics

I want to learn more about my Catholic faith. Equip us with the knowledge that we need to defend our faith from those who may try to dissuade us from following it.

There is so much information that can tempt the modern Catholic into believing a deception about our faith. Help us to stand for it so that we may explain it to those who want to understand the cause of our hope.

5. God’s love and mercy

I will never tire of hearing about God’s love and mercy from Church homilies. Being a sinner, I am constantly faced with my weaknesses and shortcomings.

It is comforting to know that despite all that, God still loves me, forgives me and waits for me like the Father who waits for His prodigal son.

6. The spiritual battle going on

Being busy with our daily lives, especially with our work may make us forget about the spiritual battle going on. Remind us in your homilies that there is more to this world than what our eyes can see.

Let our faith not only be a source of comfort in times of distress or an inspiration to keep us going, but an anchor that will ground us to the truth including the invisible world that affects our eternal destiny.

With this, we may avoid occult practices that endanger our souls. We do not fall prey to either secularism or a non-Christian spiritual worldview.

7. Controversial modern issues

Although this may only be tackled from time to time, allow us to hear again where the Church stands regarding issues like abortion, same-sex unions and euthanasia. Remind us that the Church’s view is different from the secular world’s view. Point us to resources that can better educate us about how we can deal with these critical issues of our time.

Church Homilies Are Opportunities for Spiritual Growth

More than ever, the Church needs to be strengthened, educated and equipped to deal with the countless challenges of our modern world.

One area of opportunity is during the homily where God’s chosen shepherds can reach the people, enlightening them and helping them to grow in their spiritual walk.

May all of God’s priests be blessed that they may continue to preach the Gospel to the very ends of the world!

“For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring [the] good news!” -Romans 10:13-15

Jocelyn Soriano is the author of the book Defending My Catholic Faith.

“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” – 1 Peter 3:15 (NABRE)