Scriptural
Reference:
"They devoted themselves
to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of
bread and to prayer."
Acts 2:42
"Let the message
of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another
with all the wisdom of your psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, with
gratitude in your hearts to God."
Colossians 3:16
"And let us consider
how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to
meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another,
and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Hebrews 10:24–25
"that there may
be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care
for one another. If one member suffers, all members suffer with it;
if one member is honoured, all members share its joy."
1 Corinthians 12:25–26
Reflection:
There are 21 Homilies. Within each is an instruction for the church
and the congregation. These had been set down in response to the reformation
as to how the church should differentiate itself from the Roman Catholic
Church. What I am going to do is to look at each individual Homily.
Exploring how it was originally structured and how it is applicable
in today's Protestant/Anglican Church.
Ultimately, this
homily aims to help parishioners, and those visiting the Church for
the first time, to understand the profound spiritual significance of
the church building and to encourage them to live out the faith they
profess within that sacred space in their daily lives. Essentially it
works towards extending the reach of the Church beyond the physical
structure of the building.
In keeping with
the deeper reflection of each of the Homilies, here is a list of aspects
that this particular Homily may be reflected through.
Sacred space:
Within this homily it seeks to clarify that the church is a "house of
God". Within which extraordinary and beautiful events occur regularly.
Such events as sacraments like baptism, Eucharist, and marriage. The
building is in no way a museum. But is a special place of active worship,
consecration, communion and shared fellowship of believers.
The "living
church": While the building is obviously important, this homily
also stresses that the true Church is the people of God. Those, who
are called to live out their faith in the world, as an active and living
breathing gospel of the good news.
Purpose of worship:
It explains that the church is used for specific acts of worship, including
praising, sacrificing, interceding, and thanking God. Which are done
through a range of activities. Such as singing and learning from the
scriptures.
Missionary role:
Homilies, such as this one, often connect the use of the church to the
broader mission of the Church. The broader purpose of the Church is
to go out into the world to share the Gospel and serve others. Living
as witnesses of God's grace.
Connecting scripture
to life: There is a primary goal of this homily. And that is to
bridge the gap between the scripture readings and the daily lives of
the congregation. Showing them how to apply what they have learned to
every aspect of their lives. Yes, we are not meant to listen intently
Sunday, than forget it by Monday. Going back to old habits and living
as the world does. We are meant to take what we have learned and put
it in to practice in our daily lives. In short it needs to address peoples
real-life experiences, including professional challenges, ethical concerns,
and personal struggles.
A link to the
Eucharist: This homily, the use of the Church building is a crucial
part of the Mass: As it serves as a bridge between the Liturgy of the
Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It builds on the scripture readings
to prepare people for the celebration of the Mass, particularly the
Eucharist. Creating a link that develops a deeper connection.
It may be considered
that interpreting and applying a homily on the use of the church today
may involve moving beyond the physical building and translating its
core principles into our everyday actions and interactions within a
rapidly changing world. While the traditional themes of worship, community,
and evangelisation are still relevant; there has become a greater interest
in the personal transformation of the individual, with a broader reach
towards societal engagement.
Focus on the "Living
Word: This homily is not just created as a historical talk but God's
word speaking in the present moment. One that strives to make the ancient
scriptures relevant to a modern life; in which people are detached to
the Church. The emphasis is on an interpretation that needs to emphasise
the very living and active nature of scripture. And how they can still
challenge or comfort people.
Emphasise Transformation:
The emphasis and primary word here is on true transformation. This homily
is our call to for introspection and change. It is designed to transform
Christians into missionary disciples; able to live out their faith outside
the church walls.
Inclusive Language
and Relevance: While sermons and messages may need should be inclusive
and free of judgement, delivered in diverse ways (e.g., social media,
small groups) to reach a diverse audience across a spectrum of ages
and spiritual experiences. It needs to be maintained that there should
never be a betraying of the core value of the Church. Making concessions
for worldly tends and social digressions at the cost of the truth will
only lead to a digression of the faith. Sadly many Churches these days
are driven to get spectators more than convert souls.
A reflection on
how Homilies in today's church may face significant challenges in connecting
with a contemporary audience. Mostly due to the rapid cultural shifts
such as changes in communication styles, and internal church dynamics:
all of which challenges those in charge of the Church to either stand
firm on the truth or give way to social demands. I for one am not in
support for what has been called a woofly faith. The Church needs to
stay true to the core values and doctrine at all times.
Though to be honest
as to some of the challenges faced by the Church; here is a short list
of such challenges that need to be addressed.
Biblical Illiteracy:
Many people who attend Church, predominantly younger generations, lack
a basic understanding of biblical stories, terminology, and doctrine.
It has been considered that many preachers have often used church vocabulary
that is either misunderstood or meaningless to listeners. This lack
of understanding and breakdown in communication may lead to a difficult
to convey the core gospel message effectively. Preachers or Ministers
need to address this challenge by not talking down to those listening.
But to create a message that is understandable and relatable.
Secularism and
Materialism: The world is promoting an unhealthy mix of secularism
and materialism. Which has been leading our society towards a focus
on individual: creating autonomy and consumerism. This makes values
like commitment, obedience, prayer and self-sacrifice countercultural
and challenging to preach in a compelling way. What is needed is to
express the truth in words that are as compelling today as they were
at the time of the writing of the Homilies.
Short Attention
Spans: It seems to be a painful result of a faster, more connected
and highly technological world that we find the attention span of people
has dropped significantly. In such a way that any long abstract or dry
sermons can lose the hearers attention quickly. I would never suggest
that the message be shrouded in fancy wrappings to keep people engaged.
But perhaps shorter sermons with an emphasis on interaction with the
congregation would work towards creating an interest.
Disconnection
from Daily Life: There has been a complaint that the Homilies are
too formal, theoretical, or fail to offer practical guidance on how
to apply faith to real-world issues like social justice, ethical dilemmas,
work, or personal struggles. I would counter this with pointing out
the need to be able to apply the Homilies to our daily lives and interactions
with those around us. To keep faith, and the Homilies, relevant we need
to make faith active.
Fear of "Thorny"
Topics: Sadly and even tragically; many Preachers will shy away
from controversial or sensitive issues, As exampled by the latest trends
towards LGBTQ+ issues. The logic behind this is to try and avoid offending
people or creating divisions: Or to avoid becoming a target by some
of the more aggressive actors in these movements. This can lead to a
perception that the Church is irrelevant or unwilling to address important
contemporary concerns. Or it can lead to a perception that that Church
is cowardly and can't defend itself when push comes to shove. The Church
community needs to stand firm on the core values that have been set
down within the Bible.
The "Preacher
as Performer" Trap: In keeping with both the concept of a trendy
Church and a popular Church the topic of amusing the ears of some can
be read into this Homily. A pressure to entertain the people or adopt
a cool image to attract attendees can betray the actual message of the
Church. Such populism can lead to a compromise of the authenticity of
the Church and the message; while subtly shifting the focus away from
the substance of the message to a short term misguided vibe. Oddly some
Churches who have begun to have a contemporary band have found that
those who attend have a very shallow understanding of the gospel message.
In reflection we
may understand that the Homilies were created so that parishioners,
or those visiting Church for the first time, may have a place where
the message is clear and the purpose of the Church within the community
and the greater world is well understood. We can conclude this reflection
by acknowledging that the Church is far more than the bricks and mortar.
That it doesn't stop at the boundary or fence line. That the very concept
of "The Church" is a living breathing aspect of those who worship together:
The congregation doesn't need a physical structure to be considered
to be a Church. Nor does it need a name other than Jesus the Christ.
The
Church is the Body of Believers!