“Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” This maxim, attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, applies to homilists and to all Christians who want to model their faith in action. Practice what we preach. “I won’t take my religion from any man who never works except with his mouth,” wrote Carl Sandburg in his poem “To a Contemporary Bunkshooter.”
During his missionary work in Peru, Pope Leo XIV learned how to repair used cars for service in ministry. Undoubtedly, his preaching benefited from the experience.
In the same way, listeners must practice what they profess. Most members of a congregation would find it difficult to speak for ten minutes before a crowd. Listeners should pray for the preacher, pray that God’s voice is heard at this time and in this place, and pray that a needed message is spoken. Such listeners will hear what they need to hear.
From “Prayer for the Preacher” by Fr. Karl Rahner, SJ
God has told him to proclaim God’s word.
Perhaps he has not entirely understood it himself.
Perhaps he adulterates it.
But he believes, and despite his fear he knows he must communicate God’s word to you.
For must not some of us say something about God,
about eternal life;
about the majesty of grace in our sanctified being?
Must not some one of us speak of sin,
the judgment and mercy of God?
So, my dear friends, pray for him, carry him,
so that he might be able to sustain others by bringing to them
the mystery of God’s love revealed
in Christ Jesus.
Amen.
Excerpted from Catholic Update, “Preaching as Sacramental Encounter,” by Fr. Byron Miller, CSsR (C2601A). Available from Liguori Publications. To order, call 800-325-9521 or visit Liguori.org.