Lay homilies

Among the Christmas gifts I received was a book recently published, entitled Walking in the Light. It is a collection of 60 homilies revolving around five themes: Love, Faith, Laity, Values, Attitudes.

Nothing of course is special in that. What is unusual is the fact that these homilies are written not by priests but by laymen. Laymen, moreover, who would be described in Spanish as personas de categoria – persons of stature.

There are 18 of them. One is the founder of a well-known firm of accountants; another owns a radio network; one is a retired commodore; several are business executives (active or retired).

All are men with families. Some have large families of 11 or 12 children; others have small families of one or two; the majority have between four and seven. In short, these men know the joys and vicissitudes of bringing up families.

These are also men of faith. Men who believe in God’s love and providence; who know and appreciate the values of the world, but also realize that they are inadequate.

There is a certain humility in these men – an attitude necessary when one speaks of God or of the things of God. For example, beginning to feel the signs of approaching old age (a failing eyesight; lapses of memory; etc.), one of them prays: "I ask you, Lord, to grant me the serenity to live the final stage of my life fully. Help me to continue to enjoy life despite the limitations brought on by age. Help me to use the remaining days of my life creatively in deepening my spiritual life through more fervent prayers and attending faithfully our Friday meetings. I thank you, Lord, for my life and for the blessing of being with people who can help me grow spiritually."

Judged on strictly homiletic norms, these homilies would not perhaps be ranked in the top category. After all, these are written by laymen, not by theologians. But there is much to learn from them, and much to admire in the sincere expression of personal faith.

I have mentioned 18 laymen. There is a 19th person, a Jesuit priest, of advancing years like the others. His role is that of adviser.

This book is the 7th volume of this series. Six others had previously been published. This latest one contains 60 homilies selected from the other six volumes, and chosen for their relevance and previous reader impact.

The publisher is the "Parish Development Foundation" (PDF) with two addresses: 108 Aguirre Street, Makati; and 101 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. The telephone in Makati is 829-5931; in Quezon City 743-1556. Email address: [email protected]: http/www/catholaity.org.