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Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Ez. 47:1-2, 8-9, 12
The prophet Ezekiel describes a vision of a new temple for the exiled people of Israel. He sees water flowing from the temple, flowing like a river to the east and south, refreshing the sea and filled with every living creature. Everything lives where the river goes. Along its banks, every kind of fruit tree will grow and bear fresh fruit, “because the waters of the river flow out from the sanctuary” (v. 12).
1 Cor. 3:9-11, 16-17
Paul tells the Corinthians their rivalries show immature faith (vv. 1-8). “We are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building” (v. 9). Paul laid the foundation, but only Jesus Christ truly lays it (vv. 10-11). He then reminds them, “You are the temple of God, and the Spirit dwells in you.” Destroying the temple is destroying God’s, which will be punished, for it is holy (vv. 16-17).
John 3:13-22
The gospel describes Jesus arriving in Jerusalem during Passover, where he finds merchants and money changers in the temple. He makes a whip, drives out the animals, and overturns the tables, saying, “Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” His disciples recall scripture about zeal for God’s house. The Jews ask for a sign, and Jesus responds, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it in 3 days,” referring to his body and resurrection. They doubt him, but his disciples later believe after his resurrection.
Our churches are houses of God, places of God’s presence. We are also reminded today that each one of us is a “house of God,” because the Holy Spirit dwells in us. May we always be aware of God’s presence within us, continually loving and protecting us. AMEN.
Notes:
The Basilica of the Most Holy Savior and Sts. John the Baptist and the Evangelist, commonly known as the Lateran Basilica or St. John Lateran, is the Mother and Head of All Churches in Rome and in the World. Dedicated to Christ the Savior, it was rededicated centuries later to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist. Thus, the two Saints became co-patrons of the archbasilica, while the primary Titular is still Christ the Savior. Founded in 324, it is the oldest and highest ranking of the 4 major basilicas in Rome (Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls, and St. Peter’s Basilica). All other basilicas are Minor Basilicas. The Lateran Basilica is the only “Archbasilica” in the world and lies outside of Rome. It is the Cathedral of the Diocese of Rome and serves as the seat of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. It ranks superior to St. Peter’s Basilica. All 5 Lateran Councils were held there.
The name “Lateran” comes from an ancient Roman family whose palace grounds occupied the site. The adjacent Lateran Palace was given by Emperor Constantine the Great to the Pope. The Palace was the primary residence of the Pope in the Middle Ages. During World War II, Pope Pius XII used the Lateran Palace and its related buildings as a safe haven for Jews and other refugees who fled from the Nazis.
