Preaching in a Secular Age

Some of us may have sat through a homily that goes on too long, a canned wedding speech, or a funeral where the preacher’s eulogy doesn’t connect with the mourners. It’s a problem that Thomas Scirghi, S.J., addresses in his book, Longing to See Your Face: Preaching in a Secular Age (Liturgical Press).

Fr Thomas Scirghi SJ from Fordham University, New York, has taught homiletics around the world. He has taught a generation of priests, deacons, and ministers in the art of preaching.

“Today, many Catholics are well educated, but lack an understanding of our traditions,” he said.

Father Scirghi said that he got the title for the book from the Book of Psalms 24, which reads, “Lord, these are the people who long to see your face.” He said that in many traditions, including Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant, the preacher mediates the presence of God.

“In a secular age, we shouldn’t presume that we no longer live in a religious society,” he said. “There are many who are seeking the Lord.”

In an age when many say they’re “spiritual but not religious,” he said that preachers should meet their listeners where they are. When St. Paul preached in Athens, Father Scirghi said, he didn’t criticize their worship of idols; instead, he found common ground in their deep sense of faith. Preachers should be aware of the “language of tradition and culture” of their listeners.

He said that the word “homily” means conversation, so it falls upon the preacher to listen, too.

“Listening and awareness become particularly important at weddings and funerals where many in the congregation are not of the same faith”, he said. “Some may be very devout, while others have never been to church.”

In every case, the most important thing the preacher can do is do their research.

St. Augustine's Seminary was pleased to host another Preaching Seminar, Preaching in a Secular Age, as part of our continuing series of conferences, seminars, and workshops.

This wonderful event took place on June 17, 2022, and offered both in-person (at St. Augustine's Seminary) and virtual attendance options. In-person attendees received a free copy of Fr Scirghi's book.