The star led the Magi to Jerusalem, “as we are always taken to Jerusalem—because we must encounter the Scriptures of Israel,” says David Neuhaus, S.J. “It is from the Scriptures of Israel that they will receive the precise destination to which they are going—Bethlehem.”
Preach
“Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast,” hosted by Ricardo da Silva, S.J., helps Christian preachers develop their craft and captivate their congregations in more effective ways.
A Syriac Catholic priest and father in Bethlehem preaches on the Feast of the Holy Family
On this week’s “Preach,” Yunan Frédéric shares with host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., his approach to preaching. “It’s like walking with a friend and talking together;” he says, “I am very much listening as well.
Keeping Christmas joy alive in our preaching—even amid war, violence and poverty
On the Christmas episode of “Preach,” Barbara Reid, O.P, joins host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., to reflect on how she maintains Christmas joy in her preaching without shying away from the grim realities of the world.
Preaching about joy starts with paying attention to life’s difficulties
This week on “Preach,” the script is flipped: Ricardo da Silva, S.J., the regular host, becomes a guest preacher, and Maggi Van Dorn, a usual producer, takes the mic as the host. Ricardo invites listeners to identify where they have experienced joy, even as he admits that we live in a world where joy is hard to come by.
Preaching in Native American communities responding to generational trauma
On “Preach,” host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., and Victor Cancino, S.J., explore how preachers might respond to generational trauma, particularly in Native American communities. “I think doing the work of looking at your own life,” says Victor,“ allows you to be vulnerable, and you give the freedom to people listening to you to practice the same thing.”
A Preacher’s Guide to Advent
Scripture scholars Barbara Reid, O.P., and Victor Cancino, S.J. join host Ricardo da Silva, S.J. to discuss how preachers can help Catholics enter into the Advent season—even as the world around us begins to celebrate Christmas.
A reminder for preachers: ‘Words can hurt; words can also heal’
On this week’s “Preach,” Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator, S.J, shares with host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., how thinking of the Gospels as stories can subvert hierarchical, monarchical, and even patriarchal readings of the Scriptures.
At funerals, preach for the living, not the dead
On “Preach” this week, host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., engages the Rev. Bruce Botha, S.J., on the challenges of preaching in fearful, uncertain times of COVID and war, and especially at intimate moments of personal grief, like funerals.
Preachers: The elders also need homilies that speak to them
Preachers face a delicate balancing act: while crafting homilies to draw young people to the pews, they must also engage the elders, who make up the majority of the congregation. They also deserve homilies that resonate with the particular joys and challenges of their lives.
Podcast: The power of vulnerability when preaching in a retreat or parish setting
In this “Preach” episode, Sarah Hansman delivers a homily for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, and shares with host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., how her corporate experience prepared her to take risks and practice vulnerability in preaching.
