Homily prep

Gozzoli

The step of making these 200 words “internet-ready” I’ve found takes some time and can work against the objective. An integral part of 200 words is that it’s not, say 500 words, or even 300 words. This is to kick-start the brain for the day, to get it up and at ‘em. If the drill wallows and gets bogged down in downloading large files, copying and pasting, formatting and re-formatting don’t be surprised if the brain, momentarily awakened choses to check back out again. Or, if another problem altogether, my lack of punctuality, rears its ugly head.

A gradual assessment of whether substack or blogspot is marginally easier may be useful. Also, “Keep overhead low.” No need to develop right away thematic illustrations or to scour the internet for the most beautiful image. All that’ll do is stop you dead in your tracks. If you see a good one, grab it. If not, “posted without comment” might just have to suffice. Wake up your brain and get on with your day! Don’t be late!

The fantasy of scripting even parts of the homily remains a fantasy.

One thought was: Monday, pick an appealing theme from the Gospel—there’s the topic of the homily, or the exegesis on the scripture ‘part of the homily.’ I’m settling this at around five minutes. Tuesday, find one scriptural illustration of Monday’s theme and develop it for a hundred words. Wednesday, find a saint who’s life reflects Tuesday’s illustration for another hundred words. Thursday, find an accessible everyday example where my life and my parishioners lives resemble Wednesday’s saint for another hundred words. Friday, introduce Monday’s theme with any kind of introduction for another hundred words. Conclude, as always with Our Lady and Saint Joseph. The predictability is deliberate and practical.