The day that Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio was elected as Pope provides many images of humility and invitations to be collaborative in spirit in the mission of promoting the Gospel to all nations. One moment in particular was very moving to me and has given me a practice that I find very helpful in my efforts to preach to the hearts of my people.
Just after he was presented, Pope Francis asked the people in St. Peter’s Square to say a prayer for his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. When it was time to give his first Apostolic Blessing as Pope, he asked the people first to say a prayer for him. Those present commented on how silent the crowd became, taking seriously his call for prayer.
This model has given me a custom that I follow before I preach to my people. Since my earliest days as a homilist, I have always bowed to the altar and said this prayer: “Lord, give me the homily You want me to have for this congregation.”
Then, taking my cue from Pope Francis, I bow toward the people and invite them to pray: “Lord, give him the homily You want me to hear. Give me the ears to hear it, the heart to receive it, and the grace to put it into practice in my life.”
This creates a communion in receptivity for the Word that God wants to speak to us and through us. It allows the homily to be what it is meant to be, a moment when God is speaking to each heart personally. It is not external entertainment or merely intellectual explanation; it is a Word that has power to transform our lives.
Since I began this practice, there have been many times that people say, “Father, the prayer worked.” This delights my heart. God wants to speak to your heart. At Mass and other liturgical functions, He uses the words of homilists to offer you the Word that is meant for you.
You can try this prayer in your own parish, even if the homilist does not know you are praying it. Put your trust in God’s Word. Pray for your priests and deacons and watch how God opens you to what He wants to say to you.
“Lord, give him the homily You want me to hear. Give me the ears to hear it, the heart to receive it, and the grace to put it into practice in my life.”
Father Timothy M. Hayes is the pastor at Granville St. Edward the Confessor Church and a scripture columnist for The Catholic Times.