Post #6066

A facetious remark, naturally suggested by the occasion, may perhaps be allowed; but to reduce the exhortation to a comic scene, as some do, by introducing ridiculous trifles or curious stories, with attitudes and gestures designed to make the people laugh, I do not know how they can reconcile such an exhibition with the respect due to the temple of God, and to the pulpit from which is announced the word of God, and in which the preacher fulfils the office of ambassador of Jesus Christ.The people indeed will laugh and be merry, but afterwards they will be distracted and indevout, and instead of attending to the moral instruction, will continue to reflect upon the witticism or ridiculous story which they have heard. -St. Alphonsus Liguori, on preaching