The homilies in this blog are the posts and are not necessarily sermons to be preached. They could be used that way but are designed to be thought-provoking and sermon starters. If used as sermon material it is expected that they will be expanded upon and enriched with the preacher’s insights on the needs and concerns of the local congregation.
Sermons require a great deal of preparation. The busy pastor has much work to do outside of sermon preparation. One of the hardest things parts of any sermon is simply getting started. The lectionary, of course, is helpful. It suggests certain themes based on the appointed readings. The Holy Spirit will bring out one or two of these themes and will speak directly to you about them.
Time must be set aside for prayerful reading of the scriptures and personal reflection. (Careful exegesis should not be overlooked.) The ideal situation is when the preacher is able to extract a kernel of revelation by the Spirit on which to build the sermon. In this way the preaching becomes more than a sermon. It will be a prophetic word with divine wisdom. These homilies attempt to be such a kernel. They are incomplete, but they will suggest much food for thought. It the preacher is already rushed, they offer a starting point – nothing more.
The homilies may not be used at all – at least not as sermons. They may simply provide material for personal devotion. Whatever the homily may be it is offered up with much prayer and love for God and His Word. May our Lord Jesus bless the offering and bless you in all your undertakings.
