Theology of Liturgical Homily: Priestly Ministry and Challenges in Contemporary Homiletics

Abstract

The use of the concept, Liturgical homily has its foundation on the liturgy and the spirit of the liturgy which has its profound meaning in the actual celebration. The word liturgy is from the Greek word “Leitourgia” and which is from two-component words laos – people and ergon – work. Thus, the liturgy was a concept used for the work carried out by the people. It means public work of any kind, particularly in the civil life of the people. 1 But as time went on, it became a concept used in the religious services in the temple. Following the etymological meaning of the word, liturgy, we can say that liturgy is the public and official worship of the Church.” 2 In the history of the Church, this has been a general understanding of the term liturgy as expressed in the worship and the rites.