These days, it is easy for preachers to acquire homily materials from several books and even from the internet. In one click of the mouse, homily materials are readily available. However, majority of these materials offer homily literature in essay form.

In delivering a homily, it can be challenging to recall all the details in verbatim form. A homily in outline form is easier to remember. The advantage of a homily outline is that it presents thought patterns and developments that preachers can easily follow. In lieu of reading the homily verbatim, preachers can utilize the outline. In this manner, they can systematically and logically develop their homilies. An organized homily is both easier to present as well as more persuasive.

The book is entitled, “Preaching the Signs of the Times.” In Mark 13:22, Jesus talked about the need to recognize the “signs of the times.” The term was given a specific theological meaning at Vatican II. In the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, the term was used to refer to “those events in history, which, if properly read, can reveal the presence of God” (Gaudium et Spes 4). The Church needs to preach the signs of the times. Preachers need to guide the people to recognize the presence of God in their midst and direct them towards the significance and challenges of the Gospel in their lives in our times present.

Preaching during Mass is the primordial way for priests to carry out their mission of Evangelization. The author hopes that these homily outlines could help preachers in better proclaiming the Word of God!