Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
First reading: Ezek. 47:1–2,8–9,12
The angel brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing out from beneath the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the façade of the temple was toward the east; the water flowed down from the southern side of the temple, south of the altar. He led me outside by the north gate, and around to the outer gate facing the east, where I saw water trickling from the southern side.
He said to me, “This water flows into the eastern district down upon the Arabah, and empties into the sea, the salt waters, which it makes fresh. Wherever the river flows, every sort of living creature that can multiply shall live, and there shall be abundant fish, for wherever this water comes the sea shall be made fresh. Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of every kind shall grow; their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail. Every month they shall bear fresh fruit, for they shall be watered by the flow from the sanctuary. Their fruit shall serve for food, and their leaves for medicine.”
Second reading: 1 Cor. 3:9c–11,16–17
Brothers and sisters: You are God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ.
Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy.
Gospel: Jn. 2:13–22
Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money-changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me.
At this the Jews answered and said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his Body. Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken.
In other words
by Fr. Sonny de Rivera, SVD (Rome, Italy)
The Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome is a testament to human perseverance and architectural grandeur. Despite facing invasions and disasters throughout history, popes and architects have meticulously preserved and renovated it. Its opulent decorations and title as the “Golden Basilica” highlight its significance as a work of architecture and a symbol of religious heritage.
However, the feast of the dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome reminds us of a more profound significance. While we admire the physical structure of the basilica, we are called to reflect on our role as builders of the Body of Christ. Just as architects and artisans contributed to the construction and preservation of the basilica, we, too, are called to donate to the spiritual building of the Church. Our true calling lies in being temples of the Holy Spirit and builders of the spiritual community of believers.
The dedication of this basilica reminds us of the immense challenge and responsibility we bear as followers of Christ. Just as the apostles and early Christians labored to construct physical places of worship, we are called to build up the spiritual temple of God here on earth. We are called to be living stones, each one contributing to the beauty and strength of the Church through our faith, actions, and love for one another.
In contemplating our role as temples of the Holy Spirit, we are drawn to the image of Jesus cleansing the temple in Jerusalem. As he overturned the tables of the money changers and drove out those who were buying and selling, Jesus revealed the true purpose of the temple: to be a house of prayer, a place of encounter with God.
The cleansing of the temple challenges us to examine our hearts and lives. Like the money changers, are we allowing distractions and worldly concerns to clutter our spiritual lives? Are we cultivating an inner sanctuary where the Holy Spirit can dwell, or are we allowing sin and selfishness to erect barriers between us and God?
Just as Jesus purified the temple, so does he desire to cleanse and renew our hearts, purifying us from all that separates us from him. Through the sacrament of reconciliation, we are invited to bring our brokenness and sinfulness to the feet of Christ, trusting in his mercy and forgiveness.
As we celebrate the dedication of this basilica, let us recommit ourselves to building up the Body of Christ and becoming temples of the Holy Spirit. Let us strive to create communities of faith where all are welcomed, loved, and valued as children of God.
May the dedication of this basilica serve as a reminder of our calling to be living witnesses to Christ’s love and mercy in the world. May we, like the early Christians who labored to construct this sacred space, be steadfast in our commitment to building up the kingdom of God, one stone at a time.