THE WORD AND THE FEAST

Maintain my Temple

Commemorating the Lateran Basilica - 9th November, 2016

Ezek 47:1-2,8-9,12; 1 Cor 3:9-11,16-17; Jn 2: 13-22

'Rebuild my house' - Francis of Assisi was commissioned. He mistook it for renovating a chapel that was in ruins...but it was a much deeper call. Today's feast and the Word resound that call once again. The Temple we celebrate here, has a threefold meaning.

First, the Temple of the Lord, the dwelling of the Holy Spirit, our body! To maintain it holy and acceptable in the eyes of the Lord, is an urgent call, given the context that is so relativistic.

Second, the Temple that is the Church, the people of God - to unite, to heal wounds and to sustain the loving relations within the people of God is another great task entrusted to us today.

Third, the Temple that is the Common Home, the earth where the Lord makes God's majestic presence felt. We are called to care for this common home and promote the divine presence and grace within this common home called the Earth.

The Lateran Basilica that is the Mother Church within the Catholic Church is a reminder of the great tradition our faith has.Built in honour of John the Evangelist, this is situated in the property of the Lateran Family and that is the reason for the name, Basilica of St. John at the Lateran. It is known to be the earliest basilica built and it was built by Emperor Constantine himself. It has been the See of Rome since then and remains so even today. The Cathedral of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) is this Basilica we celebrate today. We are sustained in our faith by these memories and acknowledgement that we treasure. May grace flow from this Basilica today to touch every heart that longs for the warmth of faith.