FR DENNIS has just returned from the 2015 Clergy Conference at Torquay.
There were over 140 priests, four bishops and deacons present.
Carmelite Father Craig Morrison spoke about Biblical preaching. He stressed the need to explore the text for the significant words; turns of phrase; special words and underlying story.
This method is best known as ‘narrative’ method because it relies on the text itself and not so much on the historical circumstances in which the biblical text is written. Though this may be important the text itself is the best source of its own meaning.
This involves both priest (as preacher) and people (hearers of the word) to spend a significant amount of time reading, re-reading and allowing the text to find its ‘voice’ within us.
It reminded me how important the readers are in the liturgy. Our Lectors are expected by the Church to be totally familiar with the text before they proclaim the Word of God; they should have read and prayed with the text before the liturgy (usually the Mass). I took this as a timely reminder for myself to spend more time with the text and less with ideas.
But it is also a guide to all parish Lectors to renew their commitment to preparing the reading and to the clear and managed delivery of the Word of God.