In his exhortation Catechesi Trodendae Pope John Paul II says of the homily: "Respecting the specific nature and proper cadence of this setting (the Eucharistic Celebration) the homily takes up again the journey of faith put forward by the catechesis and brings it to its natural fulfillment. At the same time it encourages the Lord's disciples to begin anew each day their spiritual journey in truth, adoration and thanks giving . . . preaching,centered upon the bible texts, must then in its own way make it possible to familiarize the faithful with the whole of the mysteries of the faith and with the norms of Christian living."
In this collection of homilies, Father David Q. Liptak has drafted a practical, doctrinal-catechetical syllabus compatible with the themes suggested by the ABC cycle of Scripture texts. This book illustrates the importance in preaching of connecting the treasures of Catholic tradition with the Lectionary readings. The book largely reflects the Programmed Homilies Committee's final blueprint, known as the Pastoral Homiletic Plan, and aims to help priests and deacons preach about all the Church's key teachings and practices against the background provided by the Lectionary. Preaching is a happening. A happening in which a graced word, a word filled with faith, brings about a "happening" in the lives of those who open their hearts and minds by listening.