When I preach at Mass what I’m really doing is wrapping a gift. The gift is the gospel. The homily is the wrapping. I don’t make or buy the gift or keep it for myself, but I try to present the gift in a pleasing way. The wrapping is not more important than the gift.
The gospel always outshines the homilist and his own thoughts. I present the gospel to you as Christ graciously directs me. His gift is the truth. The giver and the gift are the same. The response of a longing heart to the good news of Jesus Christ is a joyous moment. The one who trimmed the gift must stand aside.
