On Preaching: Part I

Historically, when Dominicans are taught to preach, we are *generally* told not to view Holy Scripture as historical documents that necessitate eloquent interpretation. Likewise, we are not supposed to read the Holy Gospels with the intention of discovering a hidden meaning or a novel theological epiphany that hasn’t already been debated by biblical scholars and theolo-gicians throughout the ages. While at first glance this might appear seemingly contrary to the very nature of preaching, it calls us to be attentive to the text in a rather mystically intimate way.

When we prepare to preach at the pulpit, our heart is set on discerning how the living Word is speaking to us in the context of today. We ought not to be surprised if an ancient parable helps inform how we see gun violence, or if the Beatitudes can teach us a thing or two about the ongoing climate crisis.

The Spirit kindles our heart, and our heart informs our mind to articulate aspects of the divine essence in human words. This is the same Spirit that bestowed the gift of speaking the language of the people on the day of Pentecost. The Dominican is first called to contemplate, and then consequently, has a responsibility to share the fruits of our contemplation for the salvation of souls.

Our siblings at the United Church of Christ do an excellent job of nurturing this truth that “God is still speaking”. Furthermore, not only do we interact with the living Word, we believe every Christian has an apostolic call to bear witness to how God authors the Gospel in our everyday life as an extension of our shared priesthood that is gifted to us at baptism. In that same sentiment, if we do not strive with our whole heart to preach the Gospel with our everyday actions— the words that come out of our mouth mean nothing.

~ br c