When I was a pastor of a parish, a man came to ask me to preach on a topic that was important to him. I said that it was an important topic, but the Church directs me to preach a homily, which means to preach on the readings assigned for that weekend, not just on some topic of my choice. There is a focus in the chosen readings, especially in the Old Testament reading and the Gospel. On other occasions I can preach a homily on whatever topic I choose.

A homily breaks open the Word of God that was just proclaimed. A homily draws from the readings and speaks to the truth that Christ is present to us. Christ is present in the Word even before he becomes present in the Eucharist. When the Inspired Word comes alive in our hearts, we are inspired to live out that Word in our lives. The Word becomes rooted in flesh.

To preach, I need to know what the proclaimed Word means from the inside of me. This is the challenging work of preaching: digging down deep enough to where the Gospel touches my own life. I need to speak from my experiences where I know the struggle, joy, peace and the love that Jesus talks about in the Gospel. My preaching not only references my personal experience, but it also includes what I know to be the experience of others.

I try to answer the question, “Why would someone want to follow the Gospel way of life? How would one’s life benefit from following Christ? What difference would it make?” It may not be an easier path; however, it is the most effective way to realize the promises of Christ.

The joy of preaching the Gospel during the liturgy comes when I perceive the people making the connection between the Word of the Gospel and their own lives. “This applies to my life and shows me how and why to live it out.” Giving examples from stories, from the lives of the saints, from contemporary news, from movies, nature and music and other everyday things helps illustrate how the Gospel is already alive in people around us. This recognition can encourage and challenge us to live the Gospel more faithfully, for ourselves and for others.

As the Word becomes rooted in our flesh, we are all called to preach it with our lives. We are called to be good news, offering the presence of Christ to others as we know his presence within us through both Word and Eucharist.