Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
Today’s scripture directs our thoughts to how blessed we are to have our church and to be church – a member of God’s familial community.
We also commemorate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. The Lateran Basilica is the cathedral church of the Diocese of Rome, the official ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. It is also the oldest public church in the West among the four major Basilicas of Rome. We rejoice in this dedication because it calls us to rededicate ourselves and be united in our mission to all that God does today and in the past.
In Corinthians, Paul identifies the temple of God with the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. Should sin defile us, the temple will be defiled. Therefore, we are to pursue all that is holy, all that is good.
It’s difficult to imagine that Jesus had an actual temper; however, he certainly proved this when he entered the temple to discover merchants/money changers defiling the sacred space. When he said he would rebuild the temple in three days, he was identifying himself as the temple of God. The disciples were probably perplexed by what Jesus said, and we read that they finally understood when Jesus rose from the dead. This also signifies the temple housing the body of Christ inhabiting us when we receive the body of Christ in the Eucharist. Can we fathom the profound presence of the sacred Host alive within us (the temple)?
In our prayers today, let us also pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, our shepherd and pastor of the Lateran Basilica. May our Lord protect him and give him strength while he travels with a focus on spreading the Gospel to a world in need of universal love.
Let Us Pray:
Heavenly Father, We thank you for being our refuge and our strength through all the challenges we encounter during our lives on earth. You have blessed us with the gift of faith and for calling us to be your church family. We ask your Holy Spirit to dwell within us, empowering us with the courage and fortitude to bring your love and message of peace to the world. Amen.
