What Does “Homily” Mean in the Bible?
The explanation of the readings that the priest or deacon gives at Mass.
It can mean
- Who gives it: the priest who celebrates, another priest, or sometimes a deacon. Never a layperson.
- What it is about: the readings of the day or another text of the Mass, keeping in mind what is being celebrated and who is listening.
- In the Bible: Jesus read from the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue of Nazareth and explained that this Scripture was fulfilled that day.
Today
It comes after the Gospel. On Sundays and holy days of obligation it is not left out.
Where it appears in the Bible
Luke 4:21; Luke 24:27; Nehemiah 8:8
What the Bible says
Luke 4:21
And he began to say to them: This day is fulfilled this scripture in your ears.
Luke 24:27
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded to them in all the scriptures, the things that were concerning him.
Nehemiah 8:8
And they read in the book of the law of God distinctly and plainly to be understood: and they understood when it was read.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
Source: GIRM 65-66; Catechism 1349