Q: Why do the homilies after the Gospel at Mass not discuss or explain anything about the Old Testament readings or the second reading and how they tie together? – Therese

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC:

In defense of countless priests, I would say that many of them do try to tie together the readings with the Gospel.

A common exception might be the homily at a daily Mass.

During the so-called Ordinary Time of the liturgical year, the first readings and the Gospels follow a cycle of their own; so, it is sometimes a stretch to try to tie them together.

This is especially true on weekdays when a priest might want to keep a Mass short for the sake of time-strapped commuters or those on a lunch break.

On Sundays, solemnities and feasts, a homily should touch on all the readings.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal says:

“29. When the Sacred Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself speaks to his people, and Christ, present in his own word, proclaims the Gospel.

“Therefore, all must listen with reverence to the readings from God’s word, for they make up an element of greatest importance in the Liturgy. Although in the readings from Sacred Scripture God’s word is addressed to all people of every era and is understandable to them, nevertheless, a fuller understanding and a greater effectiveness of the word is fostered by a living commentary on the word, that is, the homily, as part of the liturgical action.”

Sometimes the homilist might stick with the Gospel because it’s more familiar and has juicier points that are easier to deliver in a brief time frame. It’s a prudential call.

Nevertheless, if you know a priest who usually preaches only on the Gospel, you might encourage him by saying, “I liked that homily a few weeks ago when you tied the Old Testament reading to the Gospel — that helped me see the OT reading in a new light. I always appreciate learning the connection between the Old Testament and New Testament readings.”

This might help nudge the priest in the right direction.