As of 324 A.D., the Lateran Basilica in Rome is the Pope’s own Cathedral Church. This basilica is the mother church of the entire Christian world. Yet today’s Mass readings don’t simply talk of stone and mortar; they also talk about the Church not made by human hands, the temple of Jesus’ Body (Jn 2:21). Each day, this temple, the Church, is being built upon the sure foundation, Jesus the Christ (1 Cor 3:10-11), and the Rock of St. Peter upon which Christ has built His Church (Mt 16:16-18).

We gather as the Church, in the Church, knowing that the dwelling of God is within us as the Body of Christ. This is a shadow and a model of the heavenly city of God in heaven, the New Jerusalem. The Temple in Jerusalem stands no more. One day, the Lateran Basilica will no longer be standing (Mt 5:18). But God’s temple in us, the Body of Christ, will last forever, because it is God’s dwelling (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 756).

Let us allow God to build on us and through us. Let us allow Him to make us loving, firm, and strong living stones for the new Temple, the Dwelling Place of the Almighty.

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from October 1, 2020 through November 30, 2020. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio February 25, 2020"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.