Sermon vs. Homily — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on May 29, 2024
A Sermon is a religious discourse intended for spiritual edification, while a Homily is a commentary on Scripture, often given during a liturgical service.
Difference Between Sermon and Homily
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term Sermon typically denotes a religious talk or discourse that a religious leader or preacher delivers to a congregation. This talk aims to provide spiritual guidance, moral lessons, or doctrinal instruction to the listeners. On the other hand, a Homily is a more specific type of religious discourse, often given during a liturgical service, such as the Catholic Mass or Eastern Orthodox Divine Liturgy. The primary purpose of a homily is to provide a commentary or reflection on the Scripture readings of the day.
While both Sermons and Homilies serve as religious teachings, their focus and context can differ. A sermon might address a broader range of topics, not necessarily tied to a particular scriptural passage, and can be delivered in various religious settings or occasions. In contrast, a homily is more intimate and directly tied to scriptural readings, making it integral to the liturgical service.
In some Christian traditions, the terms "sermon" and "homily" might be used interchangeably, though there remains a distinction in their primary meanings. Both are essential tools in the religious realm, assisting believers in deepening their faith and understanding of spiritual matters.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
To provide spiritual guidance or moral instruction
To comment on or explain Scripture readings of the day
Context
Delivered in various religious settings or occasions
Typically given during a liturgical service
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Focus
Can be on scriptural or non-scriptural topics
Directly tied to specific scriptural readings
Length
Can vary widely
Generally shorter, focused on the day's readings
Use in Traditions
Common in many Christian denominations
Especially associated with Catholic and Orthodox traditions
Compare with Definitions
Sermon
These discourses can vary in length and style based on the preacher and topic.
The Easter Sermon was particularly moving this year.
Homily
A Homily is a commentary or reflection on the Scripture readings during a religious service.
The priest's Homily helped the congregation connect with the Gospel reading.
Sermon
Sermons serve to deepen the faith and understanding of the listeners.
The Sermon shed light on a difficult biblical passage.
Homily
Homilies are integral to liturgical services, especially in Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
The Homily clarified the complex themes of the day's readings.
Sermon
A Sermon is a discourse given for religious instruction and moral edification.
The pastor's Sermon on kindness resonated with the congregation.
Homily
These reflections aim to make scriptural texts relevant and understandable for the congregation.
The Homily provided insights into daily applications of the scripture.
Sermon
Sermons can address both scriptural and contemporary issues.
The Sermon touched on the importance of community service.
Homily
Typically shorter than sermons, homilies focus on the day's particular readings.
Today's Homily revolved around the theme of love and sacrifice.
Sermon
Sermons are often delivered by religious leaders to guide and inspire believers.
Every Sunday, the churchgoers eagerly awaited the new Sermon.
Homily
A Homily aids believers in deepening their connection to the Word of God.
The Homily reminded everyone of the importance of forgiveness.
Sermon
A sermon is an oration or lecture by a preacher (who is usually a member of clergy). Sermons address a scriptural, theological, or moral topic, usually expounding on a type of belief, law, or behavior within both past and present contexts.
Homily
A homily (όμλία) is a commentary that follows a reading of scripture, giving the "public explanation of a sacred doctrine" or text. The works of Origen and John Chrysostom (known as Paschal Homily) are considered exemplary examples of Christian homily."In Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and Eastern Orthodox Churches, a homily is usually given during Mass (Divine Liturgy or Holy Qurbana for Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, and Divine Service for the Lutheran Church) at the end of the Liturgy of the Word.
Sermon
A religious discourse, especially one delivered as part of a service.
Homily
A sermon, especially one intended to explain the practical and moral implications of a particular scriptural passage.
Sermon
An often lengthy and tedious speech of reproof or exhortation
"his father's Teutonic and pedestrian sermon on the safety of staying home" (Paul Theroux).
Homily
A moralizing lecture or admonition that is often tedious or condescending.
Sermon
Religious discourse; a written or spoken address on a religious or moral matter.
Homily
A platitudinous or inspirational saying
"'Receiving is a form of giving,' she said, in one of those sudden banal homilies that came to her every now and again" (Willie Morris).
Sermon
A lengthy speech of reproval.
Homily
(Christianity) A sermon, especially concerning a practical matter.
Sermon
To discourse to or of, as in a sermon.
Homily
A moralizing lecture.
Sermon
To tutor; to lecture.
Homily
A platitude.
Sermon
A discourse or address; a talk; a writing; as, the sermons of Chaucer.
Homily
A discourse or sermon read or pronounced to an audience; a serious discourse.
Sermon
Specifically, a discourse delivered in public, usually by a clergyman, for the purpose of religious instruction and grounded on some text or passage of Scripture.
This our life exempt from public hauntsFinds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,Sermons in stones and good in everything.
His preaching much, but more his practice, wrought,A living sermon of the truths he taught.
Homily
A serious or tedious exhortation in private on some moral point, or on the conduct of life.
As I have heard my fatherDeal out in his long homilies.
Sermon
Hence, a serious address; a lecture on one's conduct or duty; an exhortation or reproof; a homily; - often in a depreciatory sense.
Homily
A sermon on a moral or religious topic
Sermon
To speak; to discourse; to compose or deliver a sermon.
What needeth it to sermon of it more?
Sermon
To discourse to or of, as in a sermon.
Sermon
To tutor; to lecture.
Sermon
An address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)
Sermon
A moralistic rebuke;
Your preaching is wasted on him
Common Curiosities
What is the primary purpose of a Homily?
A Homily offers commentary or reflection on the Scripture readings of a liturgical service.
When is a Homily typically given?
A Homily is usually delivered during a liturgical service, like a Catholic Mass.
Is a Sermon always based on the Bible?
Not necessarily; while many Sermons are, they can also address contemporary issues or other religious texts.
Who gives a Homily?
In traditions like Catholicism, a priest or deacon usually delivers a Homily.
How does a Homily help the congregation?
A Homily helps make the Scripture readings relevant and understandable, deepening believers' connection to the Word.
Do all Christian denominations practice giving Homilies?
Homilies are especially associated with Catholic and Orthodox traditions, though other denominations might have similar practices.
What is a Sermon?
A Sermon is a religious discourse intended for spiritual edification and moral instruction.
Can a Sermon be on non-scriptural topics?
Yes, a Sermon can address both scriptural and contemporary issues.
How do Sermons differ from Homilies?
While Sermons can have a broader focus, Homilies are tied to specific scriptural readings from a service.
Who usually delivers a Sermon?
A Sermon is typically delivered by a religious leader or preacher.
Is the structure of a Sermon fixed?
No, Sermons can vary in structure based on the preacher's style and the topic.
Can the terms "sermon" and "homily" be used interchangeably?
In some Christian traditions, they might be, but there remains a distinction in their primary meanings.
Can a layperson give a Homily?
In Catholic tradition, a Homily is typically given by an ordained minister, like a priest or deacon.
Is a Homily longer than a Sermon?
Generally, a Homily is shorter and more focused on the day's readings, while a Sermon can vary in length.
Can a Sermon be interactive?
While traditionally not interactive, some modern Sermons might include engagement or dialogue with the congregation.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
