It Is Written

Here at re:Write, we like to cite various experts on the importance of good writing, and how to accomplish it. People like Alexander Pope, and Edward R. Murrow. But today, in the words of the old Hebrew National hotdog ad, we appeal to a higher authority.

I’m talking about Pope Francis. There’s been a lot of coverage of his “Evangelii Gaudium,” his first major written apostolic exhortation. Much of the discussion is an attempt to determine more about the new pope’s philosophy: Is he as liberal as he seems on some issues?

I’ll leave that question to the theologians. For our secular purposes, I’m fascinated by the attention Francis focuses on writing; specifically, on homilies. He devotes several pages to the topic, and he’s full of great ideas for writers.

He starts off with a little papal humor, noting that both the faithful and the ordained ministers suffer because of homilies: “the laity from having to listen to them and the clergy from having to preach them!” In other words, as you labor over a manuscript, a blog post, a tweet, the Pope feels your pain. But he also has some warnings:

Don’t go on too long: “A preacher may be able to hold the attention of his listeners for a whole hour, but in this case his words become more important than the celebration of faith. If the homily goes on too long, it will affect two characteristic elements of the liturgical celebration: its balance and its rhythm.”

You aren’t the message: “The words of the preacher must be measured, so that the Lord, more than his minister, will be the centre of attention.”

Pope Francis also offers a detailed discussion of just how to approach writing a homily: Put in the time researching your topic; be sure you understand it; have a reverence for the truth; understand what your audience needs.

He even offers writerly advice from the ancient scribe Shimon ben Yeshua ben Eliezer ben Sira of Jerusalem: “Speak concisely, say much in few words.” (Sir 32:8).

Of course, Pope Francis is talking about writing with a spiritual purpose that most of our scribblings don’t have. But why not aim high? You never know who might be reading your homily.

Here’s a link to the whole text; the Pope’s thoughts on homilies start on page 107.

http://www.vatican.va/evangelii-gaudium/en/index.html#106