Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast

This week on Preach, we launch a new series: Preaching for the Sacraments—how homilists can bring depth and imagination to their preaching during some of the Catholic Church’s most meaningful rites. To set the stage, host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., speaks with Anthony Ruff, O.S.B., Benedictine monk and professor of liturgy at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary in Minnesota. Together they unpack what sacraments truly are—and how to preach them with both depth and imagination. “A sacrament is not a vending machine where we put the thing in our action and then the thing comes out automatically,” Anthony explains. “God acts through symbols such as water and oil and laying on hands and exchanging the peace with one another and singing together.” Grace is not dispensed mechanically, but unfolds through real human experience: “If I’m becoming more human and growing in community, I’m being divinized.” Preaching at sacramental celebrations must therefore begin with the lives of those gathered, not abstract theology. “I really try to say, what’s the word that will be Christ for them, that will resonate with their experience?” Anthony reflects. “We really have to think about the whole life of this community—and then our homily is a part of that.” In this episode: 00:00 – ‘A sacrament is not a vending machine’ 01:10 – Introduction 02:40 – Meet Anthony Ruff: monk and teacher 04:00 – About the Compelling Preaching Grant 08:10 – What is a sacrament? Encounter, not simply ritual 08:48 – What is the core purpose of the sacrament? 13:20 – A sacrament as a sign of peace 15:50 – Mystery, not magic 17:38 – Becoming aware of the God's presence in your life 19:48 – Sacraments vs. sacramentals: what’s the difference? 21:40 – Sacraments for community and the individual 24:05 – A final word on sacraments 27:05 – What preaching is for? 28:45 – Homilies at sacramental Masses: rite or readings? 33:10 – Symbols as stage directions 36:40 – Challenges and pitfalls of preaching the sacraments 38:50 – How long does it take to prepare for a sacrament 40:50 – Keeping the mystery of the sacraments alive Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The third season of “Preach” begins with a fundamental reminder: What is preaching, and what is it for? To explore that question, host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., invites the Rev. Lynn Barger Elliott—a preacher who has inspired him to think about this question in recent months. As a fourth-generation Presbyterian pastor and consultant for the Compelling Preaching Initiative—the Lilly Endowment project that supports this podcast—Lynn brings the wisdom of that legacy to remind us that preaching takes root in lived experience. “I personally needed a story to help interpret [Scripture] so that I could make [it] meaningful in my own life,” Lynn says, explaining her approach to good preaching. In this episode Lynn recalls how witnessing her mom undergo back surgery gave her new insight into a passage from Hebrews, where the word of God is likened to a two-edged sword, “piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow” (Hebrews 4:12).  “It gave me a new way to interpret words of Scripture,” Lynn says,  “that are double-edged and sharp in every direction.” “Preach” is made possible through the generous support of the Compelling Preaching Initiative, a project of Lilly Endowment Inc. Get daily Scripture reflections and ⁠⁠⁠support⁠⁠⁠ “Preach” by becoming a digital subscriber to America Magazine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maggi Van Dorn, co-producer of 'Preach' and of America Media's new podcast, teams up with Father James Martin, a Jesuit priest and bestselling author, and Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, a renowned Dominican friar. They dive into the transformative power of spirituality, discussing Dominican spirituality, genuine connections with God, and faith amid life's challenges. The cardinal shares insights on vulnerability through his battle with cancer, while the group emphasizes the importance of personal narratives in enriching both preaching and spiritual life.

Hank Hilton, pastor at St. Joseph Parish and former Jesuit, discusses the transformative power of the Eucharist. He shares his three-step preaching method, emphasizing storytelling to connect with the congregation. Hilton highlights the importance of kindness through communion and introduces Holy Chow, a food-truck ministry that not only serves meals but also spreads the peace of Christ. His reflections draw on childhood memories and ancient philosophy, inviting listeners to contemplate how we become like what we receive.

Dianne Bergant, C.S.A., a renowned scholar of Hebrew Scriptures and former professor at Catholic Theological Union, reflects on her journey as an introverted preacher. She emphasizes viewing the Holy Trinity as a relationship with the Creator, urging listeners to engage with the moral dimensions of faith. Dianne shares her unique approach to preaching—without writing homilies—and fond memories of teaching Pope Leo XIV. She discusses the importance of embracing the Holy Spirit in preaching, offering strategies for introverted communicators to connect with their communities.

Say “Holy Spirit” and most picture a dove or gentle fire. But Anthony SooHoo, S.J., turns to a wilder Celtic image: a honking goose in flight—untamed and impossible to ignore. It’s how he preaches Pentecost: the Spirit who startles us into new life and calls the church to fly together—rather than just waddle along. For the Solemnity of Pentecost, Year C, Anthony draws on the physics of flight and a Kierkegaardian parable about ducks. In conversation with host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., he explores imagination in preaching and the art of going off-script—especially when the Spirit honks. Guest: Anthony SooHoo, S.J., professor of ancient Near Eastern studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and pastoral staff member at Caravita, an international English-language Catholic community. Get daily Scripture reflections and support “Preach” by becoming a digital subscriber to America Magazine⁠⁠⁠⁠ “Preach” is made possible through the generous support of the Compelling Preaching Initiative, a project of Lilly Endowment Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seventeen years ago, Ricardo da Silva, the host of this podcast, heard a homily that has stayed with him ever since. It was preached by his novice master, British Jesuit priest Paul Nicholson, and began with a simple but unforgettable image drawn from medieval art: Jesus’ feet dangling in the air, his body swallowed by clouds. Preaching for the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Year A, Paul returns to that homily, reflecting on how visual art and imagination can lead those who receive a homily beyond scriptural explanation or catechesis and into prayer. Together, he and Ricardo explore how this feast—so often understood as a moment of departure—can also reveal God’s nearness and how that insight might shape preaching at funerals and help preachers speak to grief, absence and hope. Guest: Paul Nicholson, S.J., director of the Jesuit Institute in the United Kingdom. Get daily Scripture reflections and support “Preach” by becoming a digital subscriber to America Magazine⁠⁠⁠ “Preach” is made possible through the generous support of the Compelling Preaching Initiative, a project of Lilly Endowment Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bill Gabriel, O.S.A., an Augustinian friar and Head of Mission and Ministry at Malvern Prep, shares insights on the newfound connections with Pope Leo XIV following his election. He emphasizes the importance of grace over duty in preaching, highlighting community life in spiritual growth. The discussion revolves around Pope Leo's idea of 'disarmed peace' and how relatable examples in sermons can foster understanding and unity. Gabriel advocates for compassion and vulnerability, encouraging authentic ministry, especially in a world facing modern challenges.

“Every time I proclaim one of Francis’ homilies, my heart is filled with joy,” says Greg Heille, O.P. “It’s heart speaking to heart.” Recorded just hours before Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV—while the cardinals were still in conclave—Greg joins “Preach” host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., to reflect on the homiletic legacy of Pope Francis: always on message, spoken from the heart, simple without losing depth. He proclaims a homily by Francis for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C, in 2022, where those qualities shine through. Grounded in a single verse from John’s Gospel—As I have loved you, so you also should love one another—the homily weaves together themes of holiness, simplicity and love in action. Guest: Greg Heille, Dominican friar, preaching professor at Aquinas Institute of Theology and author of The Preaching of Pope Francis. Get daily Scripture reflections and support “Preach” by becoming a digital subscriber to America Magazine⁠⁠ “Preach” is made possible through the generous support of the Compelling Preaching Initiative, a project of Lilly Endowment Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this captivating discussion, John Connell, an award-winning author and organic farmer from the Irish Midlands, shares his profound insights from years of working with sheep. He reflects on the symbolism of sheep as care and vulnerability in the context of the shepherd’s relationship with Jesus. John emphasizes the quiet bravery of sheep and how gentle voices can guide them, drawing parallels to spiritual leadership. His journey from journalism to farming highlights the joy of reconnecting with nature and the deeper spiritual lessons that emerge from caring for animals.