Purpose of Homilies

[sandiego]

What is your view on homilies? Personally speaking, I see homilies as an integral part of understanding the word of God, or the readings and Gospel for the day. I just came back from lunch time mass and was disappointed to see that the priest just read the Gospel, sat down for a minute, and went straight to intentions (i.e. no homily was given at all). At the very least I expected the priest to give some food for thought on what the readings want us to focus on. So are homilies an optional part of weekday masses that priests can choose to skip?

[DavidObeid]

Hi sandiego,

Homilies are not essential in weekday masses, but it is recommended that at least some words are said if there is a large crowd.

Homilies are mandatory on Sundays (unless there is a grave reason to skip it).

[Anthony Succar]

When my parish priest gives homilies (my man Fr. Slatery), he's got everyone on the edge of their seats!!! But to my disappointment, he skips the homily on weekdays:(