SIMPLICITY IN PREACHING: A CALL FOR CLARITY AND BREVITY IN CHURCH SERMONS

Some people think they can be good preachers because they know what ought to be said, but they pay no attention to how it should be said, that is, the concrete way of constructing a sermon. They complain when people do not listen to or appreciate them, but perhaps they have never taken the trouble to find the proper way of presenting their message. It should be noted that 'the obvious importance of the content of evangelization must not overshadow the importance of its ways and means.' Concern for the way both ordained and lay preachers preach is likewise a profoundly spiritual concern. Preaching entails responding to the love of God by putting all our talents and creativity at the service of the mission which he has given us; at the same time, it shows a fine, active love of neighbor by refusing to offer others a product of poor quality.