Part II, Chapter V: Sermon Topics

Sermon Topics

PREACHERS should remember that it is their duty to preach the word of God. They would be criminally guilty if they should distribute ordinary bread instead of the Sacred Host; so also they cannot be excused i f their sermons are merely worldly dissertations instead of well digested discourses on the eternal verities.

Consequently, preachers must be on guard lest they preach their own thoughts rather than those of Sacred Scripture and tradition, lest they expound a human doctrine rather than the deep truths of Christ, so amply explored in the writings of the Fathers of the Church.

Likewise, preachers, especially the young and inexperienced, should beware of falling into the error of thinking that they must seek unusual topics, use new unconventional expressions and propound extraordinary ideas. By so doing, they make a great mistake because the common subjects are always the most useful and most appealing, not only because they convince listeners, but because God imparts a blessing and a particular efficacy to the words of those who preach the Catholic doctrine with simplicity and humility.

Subtle questions, which are better suited to gratify curiosity than to edify and touch hearts, should be omitted. The preacher should confine himself to a simple and lucid exposition of the Gospel and reject anything superfluous, useless or of little merit so that he will speak only thoughts that will help men to know and honor God and spur them on to work out their eternal salvation.

The principal sermon topics are the following:

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The Epistles and Gospels read at Holy Mass, or any part of Sacred Scripture.

The perfections, mysteries, works and gifts of God.

The Ten Commandments of God and the Six Commandments of the Church.

The Life, Excellence and Mysteries of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Sacraments, Ceremonies and Liturgy of the Church.

The life and virtues of the Saints.

Sin and the particular vices.

Evil customs which are the causes of numberless sins, such as bad books, pictures, dancing, plays, fashions and harmful games.

Christian virtues, such as faith, hope, charity, humility and patience.

Good works, such as prayer, fasting, almsgiving, the corporal and the spiritual works of mercy.

The duties and obligations of one's state in life, whether one be rich or poor, a workman or an employer, a father or mother, married or single, master or servant. The four last ends of man and purgatory.

These and similar topics are always most suitable for the preacher who is eager to preach the word of God with success.

In all his sermons and instructions the preacher should endeavor to make Almighty God better known in His mysteries, His works and His benefits. He must also strive to make divine goodness better loved and appreciated by the faithful. Likewise, he should exhort them to greater love for their Creator, make them sorry for sin and determined to amend their lives. He should urge them to fear God's justice and His punishment, to hope in His promises, to have confidence in His goodness, His grace and His help. So he should encourage his hearers to offer to God their.entire being and their all. He should strive constantly to make the Saviour better known and loved by all men, inducing them to follow Him as true disciples of the great Leader. Into their hearts, too, he should infuse a profound and tender love and respect for the ever Blessed Mother.

The preacher should also make his people understand that they, as well as priests and religious, are called upon to live holily and follow in the footsteps of the saints. For this purpose, he should be assiduous in his efforts to make them love the Church and everything associated with it. This means that they should be taught reverence and veneration for consecrated places such as churches, chapels and cemeteries. Likewise, they should insist upon the sanctification of Sundays and holy days of obligation.

The importance of Baptism and its obligations should be impressed upon the faithful. The dignity and sanctity of Confirmation and the other sacraments should be thoroughly explained, their origin and purpose, their institution and the proper dispositions with which they should be received. Likewise, their efficacy should be made clear and their frequent reception urged, especially the Sacraments of Penance and of Holy Eucharist.

Marriage, being one of the most important events in the life of most Christians, should be held up to highest esteem and its sacramental character made thoroughly clear. Its far-reaching effects in time and eternity should be the topic of many sermons by the preacher who is devoted to his task.

Young people considering wedlock should be reminded of their duties, particularly that of consulting their parents. They should be encouraged to pray to Our Lord, to His Blessed Mother and to St. Joseph to guide them in the choice of a suitable partner, who will be a help and not a hindrance in the performance of their Christian and Catholic duties. Their preparation for this Sacrament of Matrimony should be such as to guarantee the graces and blessings of God. Like the young Tobias, they should resort to prayer and be firm in continence, and on their wedding day stand, in God's presence, purified by Confession and Holy Communion.

Enjoin upon parishioners and all Catholics a wholesome respect for Holy Matrimony and especially seek to banish from marriage celebrations any unseemly and unbecoming conduct. Fulminate against the pagan customs which sometimes accompany these wedding feasts, when sinful excesses of eating and drinking are committed and sinful

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dancing indulged. Also, urge parents to prevent as far as possible prolonged courtships which often lead to evil.

Let married persons learn that wedlock does not permit them to use the holy state as a cloak for sinfill practices and immoral license. Let them remember, too, that their duties as parents are most serious; that their obligation of bringing up their children and educating them is binding before God.

Teach them to offer their~ children to Our Lord at the hour of birth, and to have them baptized as early as possible. Then, when the children come to the age of reason, the parents should instruct them faithfully in their Christian duties, watching over them at all times, helping them to decide their state i n life when the moment comes for that important decision.

Preachers should point out the hideousness of sin in general and of particular vices, causing evil to be shunned and detested. They should urge the faithful to cultivate a great respect and love for our Holy Father, the Pope, the Bishops of the Church and for all priests. Likewise, too, preachers should remind Catholics of their duties towards the civil law and their obligations to obey its mandates. Those who are i n high places of authority should be exhorted to remember the sacred trust they hold. They should be encouraged to govern with justice and wisdom, treating those under their jurisdiction with kindness and consideration. Their example should be a shining light for their subordinates.

The rich should be reminded that the things on earth are merely passing; therefore, they should not attach too much importance to them, seeking rather to lay up treasures for eternity. The poor should be helped to bear their lot with Submission, remembering that theirs was the lot of Jesus, of His Blessed Mother and of the great majority of the saints. The Master who possessed all riches became poor for us.

Teach masters and servants, employers and employees to have mutual respect, using every means at their disposal for the betterment of their spiritual condition. Guide mothers and fathers in their imitation of the Eternal Father, the perfect example of love, kindness, patience and zeal. Give the child Jesus as a model to the children, pointing out His loving obedience and devotion to Mary and Joseph.

Finally, there are four topics which can never be preached too often:

1. Veneration of holy places and of holy days of obligation

2. Frequent use of the Sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist

3. Charity towards God and one's fellow men and reconciliation with one's enemies

4. Restitution. 91-