Definition of Homiletics
The application of the notions
of rhetoric in the context of preaching is called homiletics . It
can be considered as an art or a discipline that aims to
convey a religious discourse or a sermon effectively.
Homiletics, therefore, involves the
selection, organization and preparation of the material used to
preach. The objective of the priest or preacher is to be able to clearly
communicate what he wishes to spread.
Through homiletics, the
elaboration, composition and styles of the sermons are analyzed to present them
correctly in the religious discourse. In this way, the teachings of God are
transmitted to the faithful and the evangelizing task is developed.
It is important to keep in mind
that the Vatican has emphasized that there can be no improvisation in
the homily. That is why in 2015 hepresented a Homiletic
Directory with advice for priests to prepare homilies and
improve their arrival to all believers.
These suggestions of the homiletic
were compiled by the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the
Sacraments . Pope Francis himself laid the foundations of
the document by stating that the homily is not a "spectacle of
entertainment" , although it has to bring fervor to the celebration . The
supreme pontiff also warned that the preacher who does not prepare his homily
is irresponsible and dishonest.
Knowing how to use the voice and
master gestural language are two issues of homiletics that help increase the
effectiveness of the homily, according to the criteria accepted by the Holy
See .
