Meaning of Homily (What it is, Concept and Definition)

What is Homily:

It is known as homily to the solemn talk or sermon intended for the faithful to explain biblical texts and other religious matters.

The word homily, as such, is of Greek origin“homily”, which means “short sermon”, “interaction with another person”. However, the word homily was originated by homiletics, responsible for offering priests the discursive tools to prepare and present biblical sermons, in an effective and interesting way to captivate those present.

For more information, see the homiletics article.

The homily, as part of the liturgy, located between the reading of the Word and the prayer of the faithful, can be seen as a form of preaching or interpretation, since the beginning of Christianity itself, in which it consists of a sermon to understand the Holy Scripture in a simple and easy way.

The homily must be promulgated by the priest presiding over the mass, a concelebrant priest or a deacon, but it should never be by a layman, seminarian, pastoral assistants, among others. In exceptional cases, the homily can be given by a Bishop or a priest who is at the celebration but is not presiding over it.

Regarding this point, the homily at the evangelical mass It can be presented by the pastor, or by any other member of the organization, without the need for an ordination.

The homily is present on all Sundays or days of obligation, although for serious reasons it can be eliminated from the ritual.

Currently, there are internet pages where you can find Sunday homilies that include meditations and/or reflections on each reading that will be developed in the Sunday mass. Likewise, these pages have the service that homilies can be automatically sent to the believer’s email.

Synonyms for homily are sermon, speech, lesson, explanation.