Emmanuel EUCHARIST : LIVING & EVANGELIZING
Pope Francis Explores the Priesthood :
Ten Foundational Insights — Numbers 6-10
by James H . Kroeger , MM
Pope Francis ’ thinking on the priesthood offers a clear and challenging vision for priestly life and ministry today .
Father James H . Kroeger , MM , has served in Asia since 1970 , ministering in parishes and in the formation of seminarians , catechists , and lay leaders . He currently teaches Christology , ecclesiology , missiology , and Asian theology at Loyola School of Theology , East Asian Pastoral Institute , and Mother of Life Catechetical Center in Manila , Philippines . His recent books include Asia ’ s Dynamic Local Churches ; Becoming Missionary Disciples ; A Vatican II Journey : Fifty Milestones ; Walking in the Light of Faith , and The Gift of Mission .
6 . Be Committed to Quality Preaching
Many Catholics were surprised when Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium devoted 25 sections to the homily and preaching ( EG , 135-159 ). Francis made several straightforward — even blunt — statements about priests and preaching : “ The homily is the touchstone for judging a pastor ’ s closeness and ability to communicate to his people ” ( 135 ). “ The homily cannot be a form of entertainment . . . . It should be brief and avoid taking on the semblance of a speech or a lecture . . . . If the homily goes on too long , it will affect two characteristic elements of the liturgical celebration : its balance and its rhythm ” ( 138 ). “ Preparation for preaching is so important a task that a prolonged time of study , prayer , reflection , and pastoral creativity should be devoted to it . . . . A preacher who does not prepare is not ‘ spiritual ’; he is dishonest and irresponsible with the gifts he has received ” ( 145 ).
The homily “ should not be used to correct errors . . . , it should not be employed to teach doctrine . . . , it should not be used to expound various theological opinions . . . , let us not use it to talk about the latest news ” ( 147 ). “ What is essential is that the preacher be certain that God loves him , that Jesus Christ has saved him , and that his love always has the last word ” ( 151 ). “ Preparation for preaching thus becomes an exercise in evangelical discernment ” [ linking profound faith to contemporary life ] ( 154 ). “ Another feature of a good homily is that it is positive . . . . Positive preaching always offers hope , points to the future , does not leave us trapped in negativity ” ( 159 ).
Speaking to newly-ordained priests , Francis said : “ May your homilies not be boring ; may your homilies touch the hearts of the people
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