“glorify god in your body” (1 cor 6:20)
“He was talking about the temple of His body.” —John 2:21
Today’s feast of the dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome is a way of acknowledging that God dwells among His people (see Jn 1:14). This feast reminds us of the beauty of God, that all beauty is a means to glorify God. A Church building is likewise a beautiful, holy house and from it flows many graces to bless the people of God.
Today’s feast is also a reminder that God dwells in our own bodies (Jn 6:56; 17:23). We are to dedicate the temple of our body to God’s service, just like the Lateran Basilica is dedicated to God’s use. We dedicate our bodies to the Lord to glorify God in them (1 Cor 6:20), so that we may be beautiful, good, holy, and true, a pleasing dwelling place consecrated to God. May each of us likewise be united to God and each other in faith, forming a holy building founded on Christ (1 Cor 3:9-11). Let God make you a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19).
Prayer: Father, I offer my body to You to be dedicated to Your service (2 Tm 2:21; cf Rm 12:1).
Promise: “For the temple of God is holy, and you are that temple.” —1 Cor 3:17
Praise: A Latin inscription inside the Lateran Basilica in Rome, translated into English, means: “The mother and head of all churches of the city and of the world.”
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(The annual Men’s Retreat is Dec. 2-3. Plan now to attend this always popular retreat. It is sure to inspire and renew you. Call 937-587-5464, 513-373-2397 or see presentationministries.com to register or for information.)
Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from October 1, 2022, through November 30, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 3, 2022
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.