Allowing a priest to omit a homily would be good first for the sake of the priest. Imagine a stand-up comedian having to come up with fresh material every night. That, in a way, is the position of the priest—not that he is a stand-up comedian but that he feels obligated to come up with something every day. He hopes to touch the hearts of at least some of those in the pews.
He must also be careful that he doesn’t cross the doctrinal or pastoral line. If the reading is straightforward (e.g., “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers…”), he struggles for a “fresh take.” If the reading is obscure or problematic (e.g., “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle…”), some research and threshing out is required. These are no small demands on a man who already has many demands on his time.
Read Full Article »