church building
"Actually He was talking about the temple of His body." —John 2:21
Today the Church commemorates the dedication of the Lateran basilica in Rome in the fourth century. This church building has been called the mother of all the churches. Today the Church teaches us that we belong not only to our parish Church, but also to the universal Church, the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27).
This feast reminds us that, as members of the Church, we belong to a particular diocese, but are also connected to the universal Church through the pope and the bishops. We celebrate the dedication of the Lateran basilica as an "expression of the variety and universality of the People of God; and of the unity of the flock of Christ, in so far as it is assembled under one head," that is, the pope (Catechism, 885). The pope, bishops, and each of us "are one in Christ Jesus" (Gal 3:28).
When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and receive baptism, you become a member of His body. You become a dwelling place for Jesus, a temple in which the Holy Spirit dwells (1 Cor 3:16). Now that you're in His body, Jesus wants to talk about the temple of your body (Jn 2:21). Let Jesus be your Lord and cleanse you (Jn 2:14ff). Let Him do whatever He wishes in your life to make You a strong living stone to build and strengthen His universal Church (1 Pt 2:4-5; 1 Cor 3:9ff).
Prayer: Jesus, let zeal for Your house consume me (Jn 2:17). Give me a great love for Your Church.
Promise: "God is our Refuge and our Strength, an ever-present Help in distress." —Ps 46:2
Praise: St. John the Baptist, a faithful voice in the wilderness, preached repentance and humbly pointed the way to Jesus.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 3, 2007
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