By Mary Morrell | Managing Editor

"It is the function of the Sunday homily to bring us face to face with the Jesus who walked from Galilee to Jerusalem raising women from the dead, curing the sick, contesting with the authorities in the name of the poor. … [Homilies] goad us to compare our lives to the life of Jesus – and to grow into the best of ourselves,” writes Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister, co-chair of the Global Peace Initiative of Women and prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. Her words from the forward to “Sick, and You Cared for Me: Homilies and Reflections for Cycle B,” are a fitting introduction to the third and final book in a series written by a group of contributors who have come to be known as “Homilists for the Homeless.”

Deacon Jim Knipper, the series originator, book editor and member of St. Paul Parish, Princeton, explained that the third book in the series completes the full three-year liturgical cycle. Like the first two books, “Hungry, and You Fed Me: Homilies and Reflections for Cycle C,” and “Naked, and You Clothed Me: Homilies and Reflections for Cycle A,” this newest volume has four named charities that will benefit from the proceeds: Hopeworks ‘N Camden, a nonprofit working with Camden youth; CATCH, Citizens Acting Together Can Help, based in Philadelphia; Religious Ministries PHCS, serving the Princeton-Plainsboro community, and Saint Camillus Center, chaplains committed to a preferential option for the poor in Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center.

The latest volume, said Deacon Knipper, lists some 30 contributors, including the original 15 from the first volume, and 68 homilies, with artwork again being provided by Oblate of St. Francis de Sales Brother Mickey O’Neill McGrath, an award-winning artist, author and storyteller based in Camden.

“It is the contributors’ depth, breadth and spiritual richness that brings so much value to the reader. So not only has the book been very successful in its mission to raise monies for these charities, but the feedback from our readers has been overwhelming,” he said.

Since the first volume was published in 2012, the Homilists for the Homeless books have raised more than $50,000 for 12 selected charities.

Among the new contributors for this cycle is Dr. Margaret Blackie, spiritual director, scientist and educator living in South Africa. She accepted an invitation to write for the book after first meeting Deacon Knipper through Skype and then in person at a Spiritual Directors International conference in New Mexico.

Dr. Blackie believes there is great value for the faithful in the series which follows the Sunday lectionary readings. “It is a great companion to the prayer life of anyone. It can be used as preparation for the Sunday liturgy, or as a spring board into prayer. The variety of contributors means the reader will get a good variation of style, tone and emphasis. This may well help to broaden and deepen appreciation for the readings.”

Feedback has proven her correct. “We’re discovering that the audience for our book series comes from both sides of the altar and, obviously, across all Christian denominations,” said Deacon Knipper. “We’re delighted that many clergy are using them as a resource to prepare their homilies…. But we’re even happier to learn that these books are being used by many to support their weekly prayer life and preparation for Sunday liturgies. Many have brought these books into their individual prayer life. We’re also hearing from a number of organized prayer groups that are using this series. Either way, our readers have a great resource that allows them to delve into the Sunday readings in a meaningful way,” he said.

Franciscan Father Daniel P. Horan, author and columnist for “America” magazine, who has contributed to the second and third books in the series, reflected on the value of the series, saying, “Many people hunger for insight into the meaning of scripture but, unfortunately, folks aren't always fortunate enough to get a good, grounded, creative, or relevant homily at Sunday Mass. This book can help nourish the hungry heart for those who seek more” (Read an interview with Father Horan here).

For Mary Elizabeth Sperry, author and associate director for Utilization of the New American Bible for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the opportunity to contribute to two books in the series was “a chance to collaborate with old and new friends and use my love of Scripture to be of more immediate service to my brothers and sisters. There is great value in anything that draws people into the word of God and encourages them to look at their lives in light of Scripture and in relationship to the living Word. For most people, the homily is an important point for their encounter with God in Scripture.” Looking to the future, Deacon Knipper explained, “We are exploring the possibility of releasing a book of homilies focused on ‘non-Sunday’ liturgies, such as Baptisms, weddings, and funerals. And then, of course, we’ll begin again for the next round of yearly cycles! We are also expanding the ways that we are being multipliers of the Word. Next summer we will sponsor Franciscan Father Richard Rohr on two river cruises in France and Germany, each providing daily teaching opportunities as well as visiting incredible sights.”

Father Rohr, a renowned author and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, expressed his appreciation as a regular contributor to the series. “I surely am honored to be part of this fine book, both to help the quality of Catholic preaching, and to help the homeless besides. It can’t get better than that!”

To read more about contributing homilists and selected charities go to http://clearfaithpublishing. com/.