2/21/2021
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| Lorenzetti's "Lamentation" |
I typically take my theme for the homily from the readings or from the feast. I also have other themes which I continually include over time, such as the importance of confession or of the Eucharist, the other sacraments, etc.
Again, thematically, I have intended in the broadest sense that the people should know Jesus Christ through my preaching. I got good training on this much in the seminary. There is “one thing necessary.” Preaching is always directed towards conversion, towards recalling hearts to the Lord. By presenting them with Jesus Christ in the homily, I show them the one who is calling them, seeking after them.
“May you seek Christ. May you find Christ. May you know Christ. May you love Christ.” This. from Escrivá, is the kind of emphasis that helps me out. You’ve got Josemaría, in the middle of the crazy 20th century, doing all he can to stick with the plan as best he can. So, he doubles down, and triples down on Christ. Where else are you going to go?
The Theme this Sunday, the first of Lent, is returning to the Lord via confession. Frustrating the attempts of the evil one by reconciling with Christ sacramentally through penance. Rebuking the devil in no uncertain terms, even at great cost to our earthly condition, for the sake of God’s plan for our eternal peace.
Notice, how in the preceding paragraph I “named that theme” in less than 55-words or less. Word count doesn’t matter, here. It’s articulating the theme that matters. I think that’s a good exercise.
