I begin the sermon, as I begin every sermon with, “In today’s Gospel.” I then proceed to illustrate how dumb you all are by repeating the Gospel you’ve just heard, sprinkled with long words you’ve never heard of, many not even in English, to show off how smart I am and to justify my graduate education.
Then around the five-minute point, I move to offer personal examples that hopefully apply to your life. By personal, I mean that all the examples are about me; thoughts I’ve had during the week, people I’ve met, and how I affected them including a story or two about my mother and the great impact she’s had on my life. (She’s included every week.) The time is now ten minutes into the sermon.
It’s now time for the big conclusion. However, there will be three conclusions. You will hear one thinking relief that it’s almost over when I segue into conclusion two and finally the third.
We’re now at the 15:30 mark which I reach each and every week. I’ll give this same sermon two more times today regardless if there’s a children’s Mass.
On Monday morning, I’ll smile to myself at how effective I was over the weekend as I plot, I mean plan, next weekend’s sermon by using the exact, same format.
Rev. Joe Jagodensky, SDS.
Soulful Muse 
So true
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I know what you are talking about. Before being ordained a permanent deacon, I was always critical of the homilies delivered by our pastors and deacons. Now I understand how challenging it is to come up with a homily that can a deliver “one pearl” for the parishioners and do it within 8-10minutes (as recommended by our teachers at the seminary). Before I begin writing a homily, I would read and reflect on all the readings and I would pray to the Holy Spirit, asking for guidance as to what message should be delivered. Some advise from you Fr. Joe is highly appreciated.Thank you,God bless you.
Deacon Thomas Aquinas
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Excellent process to begin.
A common phrase may pop out for me to develop…based on Scripture and life. If folks go home with that phrase in their hearts then I did my job. Rarely exceed five minutes…I get bored listening to me!
My key is to engage at the very beginning. Their interest and attention are always number one in my mind.
In my growing years I write it out, writing not be read but to be heard. This way I’m presenting exactly what I want to offer them. No more driving home thinking about a point or two that I forgot.
You’ve got to love and embrace those words and messages. People easily sense authenticity and genuineness…not “preaching,” but sharing our common struggles and successes together…I think that’s called the Body of Christ.
Blessings and have fun, I mean find and share the joy of our faith journeys.
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