Center the experiences of marginalized people when preaching

Before the Rev. James Martin, S.J., set off for the Synod on Synodality currently underway at the Vatican, he shared some of his hopes for preaching the message of the Synod. “This idea of Jesus calling people from the outside in is very much something that the synod is doing,” he said. “I think it’s reminding people that these groups, whoever it is—refugees, migrants, the poor, disabled, divorced or remarried Catholics, women that might be disenchanted with the church, L.G.B.T.Q people—that these are part of the body of Christ. And that these are people in whom the Holy Spirit is also active and alive.” Jim is a Jesuit priest and editor-at-large at America, and the author of multiple New York Times bestsellers. His latest book, “Come Forth,” just released by Harper One, explores the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. This month he is taking part in the ongoing Synod on Synodality in Rome; we’re thrilled to welcome him on “Preach” as we focus on “Preaching for a more synodal church.”  Listen to Jim’s homily for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, on this week’s episode of “Preach.” After the break, Jim and host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., engage in a conversation about the synod, Jim’s new book, and his go-to homily resources. Read the full text of this week’s homily and Scripture readings. Do you have a preacher to recommend for Preach? Let us know here. Get daily Scripture reflections and support "Preach" by becoming a digital subscriber to America Magazine. “Preach” is made possible through the generous support of the Compelling Preaching Initiative, a project of Lilly Endowment Inc.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices