Below is a transcript of the Bishop DiMarzio’s speech to the National Filipino Priests Conference in Orlando, Florida on Nov.5, 2014:

Introduction

First, it is my pleasure to be here with you today for the Regular General Assembly of the National Association of Filipino Priests – USA. How fitting is your theme – Paring Pinoy 2014: Nurturing, Sharing, Witnessing Our Call – as you ask me to speak on effective preaching.

What is effective preaching? Obviously, it is preaching that has an effect. An effect first of all on the preacher and then an effect on those who listen in the congregation. Scripture tells us that God’s Word is effective if it is compared to the rain that comes down and does not return to the sky unless it has watered the earth. And so it is with God’s Word. The Word is what is entrusted to us. The Word is all powerful. We are mere instruments of God, we are prophets who speak the Word for God. Not foretelling the future, but in effect presenting the Word of God for the present. We are mediators and the Word of God passes through us to the people who listen. In order to be an effective preacher, we must forget ourselves.

Yes, we must forget ourselves. We must let ourselves go. Saint Teresa of Avila once said, “Preachers who do not let go of themselves will never inspire people. They must be like the Apostles who threw all caution to the wind.” When we are self conscious, we cannot let the Word of God work through us. Forgetting self does not mean that we cannot be personal. We must be personal, however, to be personal does not mean to be self-centered. A homily constantly using the word “I” is a good indication that it is rather self-centered, and the homily will not exude confidence in letting the Word of God speak through us. Giving a homily is somewhat like being on a stage. The best actors are those who exude confidence and conviction. In a sense, they are able to work out of themselves to take on the character of the person they portray. We are to be Christ to God’s people in preaching the Word. We cannot be self-conscious. We cannot worry about making mistakes. We must let the Word of God work through us. Yes, certainly there is a message to be delivered. It is something truly important that we have to say. It is God’s very word intended for the hearers that it might make a difference in their lives. However, sincerity and authenticity are truly important if we are to preach effectively.

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