What exactly is a homily?

[Steve Hayes]

On Tue, 18 Apr 2023 07:35:17 -0700, pyotr filipivich

Don't know, just asking.

As the saying goes, a homily is a the ten minute quick explanation
of the subject.
It very often assumes that you either a) at some point heard the
two hour sermon on the subject, or B) have heard enough homilies to
have a greater understanding of the subject.

A homily is a written sermon, usually written to be read by someone
else. The Church of England published a book of homilies in the 16th
century, for the use of chergy whos understanding of theology was
deficient.

With those as the pattern, "homily" has come to mean any tedious moral
discourse.

[Robert]

Post by Steve Hayes
On Tue, 18 Apr 2023 07:35:17 -0700, pyotr filipivich

Don't know, just asking.

As the saying goes, a homily is a the ten minute quick explanation
of the subject.
It very often assumes that you either a) at some point heard the
two hour sermon on the subject, or B) have heard enough homilies to
have a greater understanding of the subject.

A homily is a written sermon, usually written to be read by someone
else. The Church of England published a book of homilies in the 16th
century, for the use of chergy whos understanding of theology was
deficient.
With those as the pattern, "homily" has come to mean any tedious moral
discourse.

That doesn't say much for a homily, does it.

[pyotr filipivich]

Post by Steve Hayes
On Tue, 18 Apr 2023 07:35:17 -0700, pyotr filipivich

Don't know, just asking.

As the saying goes, a homily is a the ten minute quick explanation
of the subject.
It very often assumes that you either a) at some point heard the
two hour sermon on the subject, or B) have heard enough homilies to
have a greater understanding of the subject.

A homily is a written sermon, usually written to be read by someone
else. The Church of England published a book of homilies in the 16th
century, for the use of chergy whos understanding of theology was
deficient.

Did not know that. I am aware of books of sermons, which could be
useful for when you're out of ideas / inspiration (much as a prayer
book can give you the words to say when you do not know what to say
"at this time.)

Post by Steve Hayes
With those as the pattern, "homily" has come to mean any tedious moral
discourse.

That is not good. OTOH, I came to the understanding I used,
because that was how it was used at "St Swithins by the Freeway".

--
pyotr
After the war two Army Chaplains were mustering out. The one said to
the other "Chaplain, it has been a real pleasure serving God with you.
You in your way, and I in His."

[Steve Hayes]

On Sat, 10 Jun 2023 07:24:45 -0700, pyotr filipivich

Post by pyotr filipivich

Post by Steve Hayes
A homily is a written sermon, usually written to be read by someone
else. The Church of England published a book of homilies in the 16th
century, for the use of chergy whos understanding of theology was
deficient.

Did not know that. I am aware of books of sermons, which could be
useful for when you're out of ideas / inspiration (much as a prayer
book can give you the words to say when you do not know what to say
"at this time.)

Yes.

Long before I became Orthodox I used St John Chrysostom's Paschal
Catechetical address as a homily on Easter Sunday in that way, because
nothing I could say could better that.

Post by pyotr filipivich

Post by Steve Hayes
With those as the pattern, "homily" has come to mean any tedious moral
discourse.

That is not good. OTOH, I came to the understanding I used,
because that was how it was used at "St Swithins by the Freeway".

I suppose "sermon" could be used for a tedious moral discourse" in
much the same way.

And I was once at a pentecostal gathering where someone used a prayer
to give a tedious moral discourse, and the person leading the service
said, over the public address system for eveyone to hear, "I think
he's got a preach coming on."

Or, as someone else said, "Too often our prayer becomes the time when
we give God his daily guidance," and using prayers from a book is a
good way of avoiding that.