Greetings on this the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
Readings: Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; PS 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; 1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17; Jn 2:13-22
Notes: Tropical Storm Nicole approaches expecting to be a hurricane by landfall.
But I have hurricane shutters which are half up now and will be completed by the time the storm arrives.
This is my ‘Keep’, my home, my refuge.
But there is a superior refuge.
The universal Church, St. John Lateran, which is our home too.
And the temple that is made from the Saints in Jesus, the cornerstone.
Brought together to be a living temple unto God.
Let nothing else keep our attention, our affection or our interest.
Not money, as like the moneychangers.
Not any number of things that offer a moment’s pleasure and a life of misery.
“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock (Matt 7:24-25).
Story of the Dedication of St. John Lateran (franciscanmedia)
Most Catholics think of St. Peter’s as the pope’s main church, but they are wrong. St. John Lateran is the pope’s church, the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome where the Bishop of Rome presides.
Reflection
Unlike the commemorations of other Roman churches, this anniversary is a feast. The dedication of a church is a feast for all its parishioners. In a sense, St. John Lateran is the parish church of all Catholics, because it is the pope’s cathedral. This church is the spiritual home of the people who are the Church.
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/dedication-of-saint-john-lateran-basilica
First reading
He said to me, “This water flows into the eastern district down upon the Arabah, and empties into the sea, the salt waters, which it makes fresh. Wherever the river flows, every sort of living creature that can multiply shall live, and there shall be abundant fish, for wherever this water comes the sea shall be made fresh.
(Cross reference to Monday’s reflection: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2022/11/07/be-open-to-the-miraculous/ )
Responsorial Psalm
The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!
There is a stream whose runlets gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High. God is in its midst; it shall not be disturbed; God will help it at the break of dawn.
Second reading
But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ.
Alleluia Verse
I have chosen and consecrated this house, says the Lord, that my name may be there forever.
Gospel Portion
But he was speaking about the temple of his Body. Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken.
Be a part of the living temple.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 