Homilies on the Sunday Readings Of lent For Cycle
Date
1999-02
Authors
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Publisher
Tangaza University College
Abstract
Truth for many, who claim to be Christians, is found in the Bible. But along
with truth and blessing that comes from reading Scripture, its heritage has also brought
a conflict because of individualistic interpretations. How these interpretations can be
and how they affect even the most intimate aspects of our lives can be seen in enormous
numbers of different churches along our streets or in one squares.
To read the Bible is to encounter the Word of God and a word very different
from our own. We believe that purely personal interpretation of the Bible from the
viewpoint of our modern culture will inevitably miss the mark when it comes to
capturing the full riches of God's revelation through these ancient writers. What makes
people think that what the Bible says is secondary to what its writers thought they were
saying?
After having undergone the required studies towards ministerial priesthood I
made an attempt to share the Word of God with other people and to interpret it for them
according of the Church' teaching.
This essay contains 6 homilies on the Sunday Readings of Lent for Cycle (C)
and their themes differ from each other but yet all of them create an atmosphere of
sorrow, compassion and repentance.
The theological background and interpretation of the homilies is based on the
most available Catholic theological-pastoral commentaries. As well as the theological
books, there are also pastoral implications and thoughts. These pastoral implications are
enriched by my own personal reflections as a result of my studies and religious
formation.
The homilies are addressed to catechists and leaders who are involved in
pastoral activities and need to undergo an annual formation and spiritual renewal in the
Season of Lent. Each homily is longer than usual due to the requirement of the Long
Essay. Therefore, it will be advisable to use them in a series of talks and not for
preaching during Sunday Masses.
Above all, I have used different stories, styles and types of language in order
to avoid a boring atmosphere in my homilies. The aim of the Long Essay is not to make
high theological research but to bring understanding of the word of God to catechists
and leaders who should apply it to the daily life of people's experience. We wish to
encourage people to read the word of God and teach them how to interpret it in their
own context. Otherwise, they will believe in a God who lives in the clouds and who is
dead in their own life. We need to read the signs of the times and to make the word of
God alive in us and others.
Description
Keywords
Lent, Homilies