Homiletic & Pastoral Review: Four homilies for July
Homiletic & Pastoral Review was founded in 1900, according to Wikipedia, originally under the name The Homiletic Monthly and Catechist. The original scope of the magazine was sample homilies for each Sunday and catechetical lessons for children. Within two decades the magazine expanded its offerings to include “articles, official church documents, a ‘Questions Answered’ section and book reviews.” Since 2012, it has been online only.
Also via Wikipedia, “In September 2022, the Reverend John P. Cush was named editor-in-chief. He is joined by Sister Mary Micaela Hoffman, associate editor; Father Brian T. Mullady, O.P., contributing editor; Mr. Christopher Siuzdak, book review editor; and S.E. Greydanus, managing editor.” (S.E. Greydanus is not me. I am SDG, the managing editor’s father. She’s been at HPR since 2020. Some of you who know me from my “Reel Faith” TV days may recognize the name of the new editor-in-chief, Fr. Cush, an occasional guest on “Reel Faith”—particularly when the subject was superhero movies.)
Sample homilies are still an important part of HPR’s monthly offerings. For the July 2024 issue which just went live this morning, I am pleased to contribute the sample homilies for the four Sundays of the month. This is not the first time I’ve been edited by my daughter—she’s often proofed my work before I’ve submitted or posted it—but it’s the first time I’ve worked with her in her professional capacity.
Homily 1 explores the difficult topic of vincible ignorance, or what we ought to know even if we don’t. I also mentioned 2024 being the Year of Prayer, as I have in a number of my homilies to date.
Homily 2 reflects on the implications of redemption for all of creation, not just human beings.
Homily 3 is about disappointment with the Church’s pastors.
Homily 4 is about various forms of superficial faith.
If you’re interested, read more…