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When does the homily happen?

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The homily usually comes after the Gospel reading, though the exact timing can vary by parish, feast, pastoral need, or bishop’s direction. Its place after the readings is important: the homily explains the Scriptures the Church has just heard.

And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

Luke 24:27 · NKJV

Why it is placed there

The homily belongs to the Liturgy of the Word. The Church first hears the apostolic readings and the Gospel, then receives teaching that calls the people to repentance, faith, and life in Christ. The order protects the homily from becoming a stand-alone talk. It is accountable to the Scriptures appointed in the service.

The priest or bishop may connect the readings to the feast, the fast, the saint of the day, the needs of the parish, or the spiritual preparation needed before Communion. The homily should lead the hearers back into prayer and deeper participation in the Liturgy.

This is why the homily should be heard as part of worship. It explains and applies the word of God so the faithful can continue toward the Creed, reconciliation, and Eucharistic offering with attention.

What happens afterward

The Liturgy continues after the homily. The Church confesses the Creed, prays, reconciles, and moves toward the Eucharistic offering. That placement teaches that the Word is heard so the people may confess the faith and approach the altar with repentance and understanding.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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