Feast of the
Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
(Ezekiel 47:1-2.8-9.12; I Corinthians 3:9c-11.16-17; John 2:13-22)
It would be hard to over-exaggerate the importance of the
Jewish Temple in Jesus’ day. Religiously, it served as the one place where Jews
could give due reverence to God.
Economically, it provided most Jerusalemites with livelihood. If it
could be compared with any structure today, it would be the great mosque in
Mecca which millions of Muslim pilgrims give homage to God every year. It should cause little wonder then why Jesus’
action in today’s gospel creates such consternation.
Jesus disrupts the usual business at the Temple. He virtually starts a riot as he drives away
the merchants along with their livestock and the money changers. The Jews misconstrue his motives as much as
they misunderstand his words. They think
that he is an upstart looking to make a name for himself. When Jesus tells them that if they try to
destroy him, he will rise again, they believe he is referring to the Temple.
In celebrating the Lateran Basilica in Rome today, we
celebrate all Catholic churches. The
giant structure serves as a sign for all places where Christians come together
to offer bread and wine to God and receive in return the body and blood of
Jesus. The feast indicates that we don’t
have to go to Rome to give true worship to God.
Our parish church serves quite well in providing space for offering the sacrifice
of our salvation.
