Q: Last night at a Mass the Priest gave his homily from behind the altar. He was standing there for the whole of Mass, except to distribute Communion. Not following GIRM 124 to use the chair for the Sign of the Cross. Not following GIRM 128 by sitting for the first reading proclaimed by a lay reader. Proclaiming the Gospel from the altar, not the ambo (GIRM 134). Putting things on the altar that GIRM 306 does not permit. Plenty of ignorance and/or rebellion.

But regarding the homily there is considerable freedom: GIRM: “136. The Priest, standing at the chair or at the ambo itself or, if appropriate, in another worthy place”. For a bishop “seated at the chair (cathedra), unless he prefers some other place in order to be easily seen and heard by all.” (Ceremonial of Bishops, n. 142).

Clearly a homily from behind the altar, with notes on it like a lectern, is not permitted. But what if notes are not used? Is a homily in front of the altar inappropriate? 

==

A: As you indicate, the homily may be given from the chair, the ambo, or “another worthy place.” If a priest believes that somewhere else in the sanctuary or near the nave is “worthy”, he can argue for compliance. Like you, I consider standing behind the altar for the homily not a good choice—not because the altar is not worthy, but because it is reserved for other worthy purposes.