Renew my Temple!

THE WORD AND THE FEAST

November 9, 2022: Celebrating the Lateran Basilica
Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12 (or) 1 Corinthians 3:9-11,16-17; Jn 2: 13-22

The Lateran Basilica that is the Mother Church within the Catholic Church and 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 one of the earliest basilicas 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 in this Church.

'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 and experience 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... our self! To maintain our personal sanctity, our individual holiness, that is, being holy and acceptable in the eyes of the Lord, is the first and foremost way of renewing and renovating the Church. It becomes all the more a challenge given the context that is so relativistic.

Second, the Temple that is the Church, the people of God, our community - to unite, to heal wounds and to sustain the loving relations within the people of God is another great task entrusted to us today. It begins at home - building loving families and loving neighbourhood, respectful relations and genuine fellowships.

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. It is spreading love for all, respect for every form of life, reverence for humanity, recognizance of the presence of God in everything and everywhere. 

In simple terms we need to change our outlook from restricting God to certain domains of our life here and now, to making this entire universe a lovely dwelling place of God.