Good preaching requires mastery of rhetoric, particularly the tools of repetition and organization, says John Baldovin, S.J. But also, he adds with hyperbolic emphasis, “you have to read, read, read, read, read and pray, pray, pray, pray, pray.”

Shouldn’t we all be going to Mass on the day that marks when God took on human flesh?

Is our intense focus on the form of liturgical celebration placing a disproportionate emphasis upon the Eucharist as the summit of Christian life?

Despite the irreverent “homecoming” funeral for actor and author Cecilia Gentili not going as planned, New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said he believes the “cathedral acted extraordinarily well.”

Karla Bellinger teaches and coaches preachers—mostly ordained Catholic men—to give effective homilies. “Effective preaching is like good butter sinking into warm toast,” she says. “You’ve gotta give the Holy Spirit a little bit of time to do some work.”

There is a profound grace in submitting ourselves to a rhythm of time that we do not control.