How we can receive more from the Mass - 12 (Homily)

Do you ever mentally switch off during the Homily?

Perhaps my favourite Resurrection appearance is when two of Jesus’ disciples were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. (Luke 24:13-35)  They were both deeply disconsolate and confused: they had followed Jesus, seen the power of God in his words and deeds, and had hoped that he was the one who would redeem Israel.  But then, they witnessed his crucifixion and death – all their hopes and dreams were dashed and the very foundation of their understanding of the world was taken from under their feet.  To make matters worse, Jesus’ body was now missing from the tomb and there were rumours that was alive.

Then Jesus walked with them, though they didn’t recognise him.  As they walked, he went through the Old Testament, explaining to them all that was relevant to him as the promised Messiah.  He clearly had their full attention, because later they commented, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Lk 24:32)

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal describes the Homily as “necessary for the nurturing of the Christian life.” (65)  It is an important part of the formation of our own faith.  Just as Jesus did on the road to Emmaus, the Scriptures are broken open for us, their hidden truths set before us.  As part of our engaged participation in Holy Mass, we also should be fully attentive, opening our heart and mind, so that our lives may become more animated by fidelity to the Christian way of life.   

These are deep, profound things that we should absorb, reflect upon and allow to become part of our relationship with God as well as our everyday lives.  This is why the GIRM tells us that a period of quiet reflection after the Homily is most appropriate. (66)  It’s another of those important silences during Holy Mass that we should cherish and willingly enter in to.