In a lay led Liturgy don’t try to give a homily. The
aim is to facilitate a sharing of reflections from the congregation. Perhaps two
leaders could initiate the sharing. Official directives also indicate that
there should not be a homily at a lay led Liturgy, but a reflection after the
gospel commenting on the relationship between the Word and everyday life is
encouraged.
Be clear that the sharing is not to be a
doctrinal or scriptural explanation but a sharing of what the readings mean to
the speaker, or the sharing of some experiences that illustrate the message in
the proclaimed texts.
As one seeks to encourage the congregation to
become comfortable with this kind of participation, perhaps children, with
fewer inhibitions, might lead the way by commenting on questions put to them by
the leaders in a non-threatening way.
When people reach the stage of being free to
share their thoughts and convictions, their doubts and their questions, their
worries and their joys, then the possibility of full participation in the
Liturgy has really opened up. Obviously this can best be put into practice in
congregations that are not too large.