Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

Other saints: Saint Benen, Bishop (467); Bd Joan of Signa (c. 1245-1307); Bd Louis Morbioli (1433-1485); Bd Gratia of Cattaro (1508); Bd George Napper, Martyr (1550-1610)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 32 The Tools and Goods of the Monastery

Mass: Ezk 47:1-2, 8-9, 12: Resp Ps 46; 1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17; Jn 2:13-22

Therefore, we fear not, though the earth be shaken and mountains plunge into the depths of the sea.

JESUS, OUR WAY AND OUR LIFE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

We celebrate today the great Feast of Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, one of the four major basilicas in Rome. The Lateran Basilica joins St Peter's Basilica, St Paul Outside the Walls, and St Mary Major. On this beautiful day we have one of my favorite readings from St Paul's first Letter to the Corinthians. The Apostle gives us a kind of wake up call: "You are God's building" (1 Cor 3:9). Yes, each one of us is made in the image and likeness of God and we stand on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. Saint Paul asks us, "Do you know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (1 Cor 3:16). Do we know? Are we even aware of this gift? Whatever your answers to these questions, today may be a day to pause and consider how you treat your temple, that is, the temple of God where the Spirit of God dwells. Paul continues, "If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy" (1 Cor 3:17). You are holy. I am holy. May we be careful and build our bodies with faith, hope, and love so as to build the Body of Christ. Seek the things that are above (Col 3:1). United in prayer, we keep going. 

Today, on the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St John Lateran, we recall that the Lord desires to dwell in every heart. Even if we should distance ourselves from Him, the Lord needs only three days to reconstruct His temple within us.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, November 9, 2020)

 

© Gertrude Feick 2020