Homily


A homily is a commentary that follows a reading of scripture. It is more importantly moral and hortatory. In Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and Eastern Orthodox Churches, a homily is usually given during Mass at the end of the Liturgy of the Word. Many people consider it synonymous with a sermon.
The English word homily is derived from the Ancient Greek word ὁμιλία homilia, which means to hold verbal intercourse with a person. The word is used in. In , and in , both used in the sense of "speaking with". According to The Catholic Encyclopedia, Origen was the first to distinguish between logos and homilia.

Roman Catholic Mass homily

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal

Other senses

Contemporary Protestant clergy often use the term 'homily' to describe a short sermon, such as one created for a wedding or funeral.
In colloquial, non-religious, usage, homily often means a sermon concerning a practical matter, a moralizing lecture or admonition, or an inspirational saying or platitude, but sermon is the more appropriate word in these cases.

Footnotes