Readings
Reading I: IS 62:1-5 |
Preaching TipHave a Hook for Next Week
At midnight mass we will have in the pews many people who have fallen into the habit of entering a church only twice a year, the Chreasters.
While many of these folks will probably not darken a church door until Easter, we always have an opportunity to reach out to them and give them a reason to come back.
Here are three ways that could be done:
1. Leave a hook in the homily for a January preaching series.
This means preparing some theme ahead of time. Giving them a glimpse of what’s coming next gives visitors an idea of what to expect and something to look forward to.
2. Understand the existential pain and personal baggage people bring with them.
These Chreasters are longing for spiritual fulfillment, and they have not found it. Every person has hopes, dreams, hurt, and pain. Our family of origin, upbringing, and past relationships are often the causes of the hurt and sadness. The season of Christmas, which is so tied to family and tradition, has a way of magnifying some of these hurts.
These folks may be sitting alone in a pew because of this or have a few empty seats around the table this Christmas. They are doing everything they can to get to our Church for the Christmas Eve service and hold it together. They are stressed, run-down, tired, and worried about their family and the new year. They need a moment to catch their breath; to know you hear them; to know God hears them.
Thus, while it is a season of joy, it is also a season to know that God enters our brokenness and is the healing balm for these wounds in our hearts. If they receive this healing balm because of the peace and calm they hear and see reflected through the priest, then the church becomes a newfound place of healing and connection to God that they so badly need.
3. Be short and to the point.
There are so many parents who will struggle with cranky children, so many people running late to get to church, so many with endless errands to do afterward, and many volunteers that will attend every mass. All these folks will be thankful for a shorter homily than usual. Having them leave thankful and grateful and on a positive note will help them to consider returning the following week. |