homily, type of oral religious instruction delivered to a church congregation. In the patristic period through the Middle Ages the focus of the homily was on the explanation and application of texts read or sung during the celebration of the liturgy. Works of literature giving moral advice are also called homilies. Ælfric wrote many homilies.

A homily is a commentary that follows a reading of scripture. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, and in the Eastern Orthodox Church, a homily is usually given during Mass (or Divine Liturgy for Orthodox) at the end of the Liturgy of the Word.

Roman Catholic Mass homily

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) states:

Other senses of homily

Contemporary clergy often use the term 'homily' to describe a short sermon, such as one created for a wedding or funeral.

In colloquial usage, homily often means a sermon concerning a practical matter, a moralizing lecture or admonition, or an inspirational saying or platitude.

See also

• Homiliarium
• Homiletics

External links

• 2002 General Instruction of the Roman Missal - England and Wales edition (pdf)
• Homily Points