Preaching the Mystery of Faith

God’s presence and power as displayed in miracles and other manifestations of divine transcendence. For immigrant groups—most notably Hispanic/Latino—an important issue is the heightened tension between parents and children around issues of assimilation. Preachers need to be sensitive to the process by which par ents convey the faith to new generations, who often know little Spanish (or other particular language of origin). Good preaching honors the experience of immigrant families and sympathizes with the challenges of adapting to life in the United States. In this regard preaching must reflect insight into the Church’s evangelizing mission, which requires cultural discernment based on gospel values that go beyond those of any particular culture. Preaching in Hispanic/Latino contexts requires familiarity with the policy of ecclesial integration as distinct from assimilation, which has been specified in USCCB documents. 61 In the context of adjustment to a new culture and way of life, preaching among Hispanic/Latino and other non-European communities correlates with the Church’s overarching goal of communion in diversity. In certain pastoral circumstances, bilingual or multilingual preaching may be a good option to ensure that all in the congregation understand the homily. The increasing presence of international priests in the pastoral life of the United States is a great blessing but also requires sustained efforts at cultural and linguistic adaptation, particularly in relationship to effective preaching. Dioceses and religious communities need to offer these brother priests oppor tunities for intense language preparation and help in understanding the var ied social and pastoral contexts of Catholics in this country.

Speaking with Respect and Reverence for Others

The unique opportunity to address an entire congregation with the innate authority of the preacher in the Sunday homily also requires sensitivity and respect when speaking of other Christians or other religious traditions. A spirit of respect based on a sound knowledge of their traditions should char acterize observations in homilies about Orthodox or Protestant Christians, with whom we enjoy a real, if imperfect, communion. After all, Orthodox

61 See Encuentro and Mission , no. 38.

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