Readings
Reading I: 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 |
Preaching TipA Homily Needs an Unexpected Idea
Made to Stick is a book about how to market an idea and how to get a message to “stick”. While it was not written for homilists, it does have some great nuggets that can help us in our weekly mission to make the Gospel message “stick” to our parishioners.
The book notes that one thing that grabs attention, that will “stick” with people long after the message is delivered, is a counterintuitive idea that challenges common assumptions. These counter-intuitive ideas stand out and stick in people's minds.
In a homily, when we lead with something unexpected, we are able to get the congregation’s attention. The crux of the matter is that to come up with these unexpected ideas takes time and creativity.
A problem for us priests and deacons is that it is very easy to “wing it” while preaching on a feast day of Mary or Joseph. It is not hard to string together a couple of theological ideas dressed up with some over-used spiritual platitudes.
When we do this, however, our homilies are far from unexpected and will not “stick”. A true devotion to Mary or St Joseph, will, on the part of the priest, be manifest in a willingness to take the time needed to craft beautiful and helpful homilies, and avoid merely “winging it”. |