Lateran Basilica, Temple Of All Temples

 

We are the living temples of God.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, the Feast of Dedication of Lateran Basilica, Thursday 9th November, 2023
Texts: Ezekiel 47:1-2.8 9.12; Psalm 46:2-3,5-6,8-9; 1 Corinthians 3: 9-11.16-17; John 2:13-22 

                              Lateran Basilica, temple of all temples

Jesus Christ reminds us, today, to keep the temple of God holy. What is a temple? In today’s second reading, St. Paul tells us it is the dwelling place of God. In his words: “Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?” We are God’s temples because His spirit dwells in us. Temple is a place where God does meet His people. It is a building that is dedicated for divine encounter. In today’s gospel reading, Jesus calls it house of prayer. He also refers to His body as temple.  

Lateran Basilica, which feast is today, is temple of all temples. This image of the Basilica is depicted in today’s first reading. The water that comes from the temple speaks of the universal solicitude of the Pope. Other cathedrals and churches are the tributaries that receive the water. In the words of Isaiah: “Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (2:3).  

The impact of the light of faith and morals

Lateran Basilica is the seat of the Pope, from where the light of faith and moral issues. Prophet Ezekiel speaks of the impact of the light of faith and moral in impact of the water. The water from the temple refreshes all the waters of the sea and rivers that receive it. Prophet Ezekiel also tells us that the living creatures in the waters and rivers live. The water also has healing power and all kinds of tree grow on their banks and become fruitful.  

The churches of God over the world are revived and made holy in unity with the Pope. Hence, the psalm says, “How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! ... For there the Lord ordained his blessing, life forevermore” (133:1, 3b). The unity of the Church is in oneness of faith, same sacrifice, same sacraments and unity with the Pope. Lateran Basilica is for us a sign of unity and love towards the See of Pope. The celebration of the dedication of the Basilica reaffirms our unity with the Pope and loyalty to his authority. 

We are the living temples of God

It stands out in today’s readings that temple is not only building, our bodies are temples of God. We are the living temples of God. In today’s second reading, St. Paul says, “For God's temple is holy, and that temple you are.” We need to keep our bodies holy. We make our bodies holy by living according to the faith and morals of the Church.  

Prayer 

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. Amen  
Fr. Andrew Olowomuke