Part II, Chapter VII: Sermon Plans: 1 The Mysteries of Religion

Sermon Plans

1 The Mysteries of Religion

THERE ARE various ways of treating the mysteries of religion:

A. First Plan

i. Point out the effects of the power, wisdom, love, charity, justice and mercy of God towards men as made evident in the mystery under consideration.

2. Outline the duties owed to God because of this particular mystery, namely, adoration, praise, love, thanksgiving, reparation and satisfaction for offenses and the oblation of self to Him.

3. Explain the light and motives to be derived from this mystery, to lead man in the ways of God

B.second Plan

1. Relate the Scriptural account of the mystery

2. Show the reasons why this particular mystery should be honored, setting forth its dignity and excellence. Recall the glory given to God through its instrumentality together with its fruits and spiritual advantages.

3. Suggest the means to honor the mystery in their interior and exterior life

C. Third Plan

1. Show the external aspects of the mystery as made evident in the persons concerned, the words said and the virtues practised in connection with it.

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2. Explain the interior spirit of the mystery, that is, the interior virtues of the persons associated with it, their thoughts and affections.

3. Stress the fruits to be drawn for the instruction and edification of the congregation

D. Fourth Plan

Choose two or three particular circumstances connected with the mystery and build your sermon around them.

E. Fifth Plan

Take one or more virtues which shine forth from the mystery of which you are to speak, or single out some Christian truth founded on it. Make this the topic of a sound thoughtful discourse,

F. Sixth Plan

In each mystery consider three aspects and make them the points of your sermon. Who? Why? How? Take, for example, the Nativity of Our Lord. Answer three questions. Who was born? Why was He born? How was He born? Then show how the Son of God came to save mankind and a poor, naked baby in a stable, was born of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

II. The Gospels and the Epistles

A. First Plan

Paraphrase and explain the particular passage of Scripture, point by point. At the conclusion of each point, draw a particular application. This is not, however, as useful as the other plans suggested, because little time can be given to any part of the discourse.

B. Second Plan

Concentrate on two or three necessary or important topics. This is a better plan than the preceding one.

C. Third Plan

Choose one point alone and develop it fully, drawing from it some particular truth or some practical application to certain virtues or vices. This plan is strongly recommended.

111. The Sacrifice of the Mass

There is such a wealth of material for use when preaching on this sublime mystery that many sermons may be delivered on this topic without repetition. I shall merely suggest the following plan:

1. Show what the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is

2. Point out the obligations owed Our Lord for having given this sublime proof of His love for the Church. Impress upon the faithful the great love, veneration, devotion and respect they should have for the Mass, wherein Christ immolates Himself anew daily for mankind.

3. Insist on the interior and exterior dispositions the Catholic should have when assisting at this august sacrifice

IV. The Commandments of God and of the Church

1. Having explained what is enjoined by each particular command~ merit under discussion, point out what it forbids, and give the reasons why one should conform to its dictates.

2. Make known the various sins committed against the commandment in question by word, thought and action. When treating of the Sixth Commandment, however, use great discretion and care.

3. Give the means whereby one may obey the Commandment and show how sins against it may be avoided

V. The Blessed Virgin Mary

Since the Blessed Mother is in herself a veritable wellspring of virtue, grace and holiness, many plans could be given for sermons about our Lady. One very useful plan is included herewith, containing two points.

1. Show the reasons why she should be honored and served, dwelling upon her shining excellence i n relation to God and to us

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2. Teach the people how to honor and love her with devotion worthy of their most admirable Mother

V1. The Saints

In a sermon for the feast day if a saint, or on any occasion when a saint is honored, the following plans are suggested.

A. First Plan

1. Show how the saint lived in relation to God

2. Point out how he fulfilled his duties to himself

3. Portray his dealings with his fellow men

This plan might be based on St. Paul's words: Sobrie et juste et pie vivamus (Titus 2, 12). Sobrie towards himself; Juste towards his neighbor; pie towards God.

B. Second Plan

i. Recount the remarkable periods and events of the saint~'s life: his childhood; his youth; middle age; old age, if he grew to advanced years; his death and the events following it.

2. Draw a salutary lesson from each period; the first for the children, the second for the young men and women, and the third for the older members of the congregation.

C. Third Plan

Show how the saint overcame the three vices enumerated by St. John: "For all that is in the world i s the concupiscence of the flesh, and the concupiscence of the eyes, and the pride of life" (1 John 2, 1 6 ) . These vices are avarice, lust and pride. ,

D. Fourth Plan

1. Demonstrate why we should honor each particular saint, and what fruit should be gathered from his virtues

2. Give practical suggestions as to how the saint should be honored on his Feast Day by devotion, good works, prayer and, above all, by imitation of his virtues.98- THE PRIEST, HIS DIGNITY AND

Obligations

E. Fifth Plan

i. Explain the graces that God bestowed upon the saint.

2. Mention the holy and practical use the saint made of these graces, and counsel imitation

3. Select two or three particular virtues for emulation

F. Sixth Plan

Take one virtue only and develop it, for example, by selecting a personal or intimate detail about his life.

G. Seventh Plan

1. Give reasons why we should try to practise this virtue which the saint practised in so perfect a manner

2. Give the marks by which this chosen virtue may be distinguished and the means by which it may be acquired. Then show how the saint made use of these particular means.

All the plans outlined are excellent and can be used to great advantage. Do not make comparisons between one saint and another. Render to each the respect, praise and honor due him for his particular merits.

V11. Controversial Matters

Public controversies with ministers of other creeds are often useless and must be avoided if at all possible. Usually these controversies are not actuated with the intention of learning about the Catholic Faith, but rather are used as an excuse for publicity.

Do not discuss controversial matters except in communities where Catholics come into contact with non- Catholics, or when heretics and lukewarm Catholics are present in the congregation.

If these topics must be discussed, use discretion and charity, avoiding any semblance of giving offense to anyone.

Explore thoroughly the subject to be explained. Point out the truth, then give the errors concerning it, explaining why they are errors. Answer the common objections usually advanced in support of these heresies. Leave no doubt in the minds of the faithful.

Use one of the following plans.

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A. First Plan

Show the truth of the Catholic religion as proved by Scripture, the Councils of the Church and the writings of the Fathers. falsity of the objections brought against Catholic doctrine by the enemies of the Church, using the very texts they quote to confound them.

For example, if it be a question of our using the Bible in the vernacular, explain the belief and. teaching of the Church in this matter.

It is said that we deprive the faithful of the Word of God, which is the soul's daily bread. We may answer this falsehood by stating that while, indeed, the Scripture is our soul's daily bread, Mother Church proportions it to our needs. just as parents do not give the whole loaf to their children, or the knife with which to cut it lest they injure themselves, so it is the duty of the Church, of the priest or the preacher, to distribute the spiritual bread of the Word of God to his people in portions suited to their requirements.

It is said that the Word of God is the light of the world. Well indeed do we admit this truth. But, we do not place a lighted candle in a child's hands, lest he burn himself.

B. Second Plan

Establish the unswerving certainty of the Catholic doctrine. Then, dovetail with it the mysteries.being discussed, for example, how Our Lord is present in the Blessed Sacrament, or how the saints hear our prayers.

C. Third Plan

Let the discourse be an explanation of Scriptural passages often questioned by those outside the Church,' proving from these same passages the truth of the Catholic position..

VIII. The Maxims of the Christian Life

Sermons on these truths are most practical, since they concern the principles of religion, the virtues, vices and last ends of man. It might be well at this point to enumerate some of these Christian maxims.

"Without faith it is impossible to please God' (Heb. 11, 6).

If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matt. 1 6 , 24).

"Flee from sins as from the face of a serpent" (Ecclus. 21, 2).

"So likewise every one of you that doth not renounce all that he possesseth cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14, 33).

"Love not the world, nor the things which are in the world" (1 John 2, 15).

"He that saith he abideth in him, ought himself also to walk, even as he walked" (Ibid. 6).

'Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5, 3).

"Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land" (Ibid. 4).

"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted" (Ibid. 5).

"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy" (Ibid. 7).

"Many are called, but few chosen" (Ibid. 20, A).

"Wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction . . . narrow is the gate, and strait is the way that leadeth to life" (Ibid. 7, 13-114).

"Every one that exalteth himself, shall be humbled; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" (Luke 14, 1').

"They that will become rich, fall into temptation, and into the snare of the devil, and into many unprofitable and hurtful desires, which drown men into destruction and perdition" (i Tim. 6, g).

"No evils shall happen to him that feareth the Lord (Ecclus. 33, 1).

«To them that love God all things work together unto good (Rom. 8, 28).

Preaching on these and other Christian principles, you should: 1. Explain the words and their meaning; 2. Show why they should be followed, quoting examples from the life of Our Lord or of the saints;

3. Give practical suggestions for a rule of life founded upon these inspiring maxims

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1X. Virtues

Here is a practical plan:

1. Give reasons and motives why we should love the virtue which forms the topic of the sermon

2. Explain the virtue, pointing out the qualities whereby it may be known

3. Show how virtue is acquired and how easy it is to practise when the proper means are used. Give examples of the lives of other persons who have succeeded in doing so. Chief among these should he the example of Our Lord, of His Blessed Mother and of the saints whose virtues exalted them to such high places in heaven.

X. Sin and Vice

1. Demonstrate the hideousness of sin in general; then particularize about various vices

2. Arouse a great hatred of anything which is sinful and urge a real determination to eradicate anything which is displeasing to God in the lives of your hearers. Reasons suggested for this are: a) the injury and dishonor caused God; b) the hatred of God for sin as demonstrated by the terrible chastisements He has heaped upon malefactors, even hurling the fallen angels into hell; c) the punishments to be expected in time and eternity.

3. Suggest means to destroy evil in the soul and to avoid its occasions. For example, Christians should remember their own unworthiness and impotence to avoid evil; make a determined resolution to do all in their power to cooperate with God's grace, throwing themselves on His mercy and invoking His constant assistance; avoid occasions and everything that may lead to sin; pray always; make a good examination of conscience in the morning to foresee what pitfalls may await them and in the evening to review their transgressions; assist at daily Mass and pay frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament; cultivate a lively devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially by saying the Rosary every day; read good books; listen attentively to the sermons; fast and practise mortification; give alms to the poor; go to confession and receive Holy Communion frequently.

X1 The Four Last Ends and Purgatory

Death

A. First Plan

Show the difference between the death of the just man and the death of the unrepentant sinner.

B. Second Plan

1. Show the motives and reasons which should impel us to pray for a happy death

2. Give the signs of a happy death

3. Point out the means of dying a Christian death

C. Third Plan

Preach on the preparation for death. To prepare for death one must:

1. Purify one's soul by a good confession and communion, making a firm purpose . of amendment

2. Try to die to sin, the world and oneself

3. Submit to the will of God

4. Give oneself completely to Our Lord

5. Fall asleep nightly in the same state that one would like to be at the hour of death

6. Set aside a little time each year to make a preparation for death.(1)

Judgment

A. First Plan

Paint for your hearers a picture of the awe-inspiring scene of the general judgment, and what will take place. Outline the various signs that will precede it, the qualities of the Judge, His coming, the resurrection of the dead, the separation of the good and evil, the opening and reading of the Book of Life, the account of each one's stewardship which must be made and the terrible sentence that may be pronounced. (1). There is an excellent exercise for the preparation for death in St. John Eudes's work on Christian perfection, The Kingdom of Jesus (New York, 1946), P. 312- 344.

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B. Second Plan

Give an instruction on each of these points and the lessons to be learned from them.

C. Third Plan

Suggest various means whereby the dreadful consequences of the last judgment may be avoided.

Hell

1. Describe the pains of hell, particularly as they will affect the senses

2. Show how eternal torment may be avoided

Heaven

1. Describe the infinite good and happiness God has prepared for those who love Him

2. Point out the means whereby we may reach heaven

Purgatory

1. Show that purgatory is founded on the justice and mercy of God

2. Stress the reasons why we should have pity on the souls in purgatory, helping them by our prayers so that they may reach heaven and glorify the Eternal Father.

3. Explain the means of helping the holy souls. 104-