Readings: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12, Ps. 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9, Corinthians 3:9-11:16-17 & John 2:13-22
“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body.” (John 2:19-21)
Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica; the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, formally called the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. It is the mother church of all churches in the Catholic world, a title carried in its Latin inscription, Omnium Urbis et Orbis Ecclesiarum Mater et Caput (“Mother and Head of all the churches of the city and the world”). Notably, it ranks above St. Peter’s Basilica in this respect, since it is the pope’s own cathedral as Bishop of Rome.
The land on which the Lateran Basilica was built was owned by the Laterani family. Emperor Constantine donated it to the church in the early fourth century, and the basilica was dedicated around 324 AD. It served as the papal residence and centre of Church administration for roughly a thousand years, until the popes moved to the Vatican. The building has been damaged and rebuilt several times, and the current structure reflects later restorations. This basilica is dedicated to Jesus Christ, with St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist as secondary patrons.
Today’s Feast began as a local Roman celebration and was later extended to the whole Latin Church in 1565, as a sign of unity with the Roman See. Beyond the physical structure we celebrate today, today’s readings call for some deeper reflections;
1. Do you know that your body is God’s Temple?
In today’s second reading, St. Paul reminds us that we are God’s building. We belong to God because He dwells in us. Isn’t it exciting to know that the God whom you seek in physical buildings, temples and shrines is also within you? Before stepping out of your home today, take a moment to worship God who lives within your body. This is what Jesus meant when He told the Samaritan woman: “Neither on this mountain nor that mountain, God is spirit and those who worship Him must do so in spirit and truth.” (John 4:21-24). The truth is that if you cannot recognise God’s presence within your body, you wouldn’t perceive His presence within any physical structure.
2. As God’s temple, you need not fear anyone; God knows how to protect His Own
Once again, St. Paul, in today’s second reading, assures us: “If anyone destroys Gods temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and that temple you are.” (1 Corinthians 3:17). We are often intimidated by others because we fear they may be more powerful or connected than we are. We often forget that, as St. John assures us, “He that is in us is greater that he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).
3. As God’s temple, you transmit goodness to the world
Have you ever seen a very beautiful church abandoned and empty? You are more than a beautiful building; you are a life-giver. You are a light bearer. You are salt for others. You are not just a statue; your presence anywhere makes the world better. In today’s first reading, Ezekiel presents a vision. Out of God’s temple flows a river; a river that gives life to everything it meets, a river that never runs dry, a river that brings food and evergreen leaves. As you go about your activities today, imagine yourself as a river; allow God’s spirit to flow through you; don’t be a blocked pipe.
4. Do not abuse your body; worship God, not money
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus showed us how to honour God with our bodies. Like the Pharisees, who exploited the people’s devotion to God for financial gain, we often devote all our talents and gifts to our quest for riches. In a bid to acquire as much wealth as possible, we tend to forget God and even forget that God lives within us. It can become so bad that we even become hostile to God, just like those who plotted to kill Jesus because He cleansed the temple. Let us examine our hearts: “Are there things I must expunge from my life so that God can take His rightful place in the temple of my heart?”
Let us pray: O God, who from living and chosen stones prepare an eternal dwelling for your majesty, increase in your Church the spirit of grace you have bestowed, so that by new growth your faithful people may build up the heavenly Jerusalem. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12, Ps. 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9, 1 Corinthians 3:9-11:16-17 & John 2:13-22)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu