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)
Violators have vandalized Christian churches since before
the time of Vandals. Still their actions
today cause alarm. They probably are
acting against the Church and Christians, and not specifically against
Christ. However, today’s readings indicate
that the two are virtually the same.
St. Paul names Christ the foundation of every
Christian. Jesus provides the base from
which the Christian rises as a kind of church to give God glory. In the gospel Jesus equates himself with a
temple in which he offers his body as a sacrifice. The interrelationship among Christ, the
Church community, the church structure, and the Christian brings about
sustenance and healing as the first reading foretells.
We are temples of the Holy Spirit. This distinction is not only edifying; it is
also empowering. The Holy Spirit charges
us to bring God’s peace and love to the world.
Serving as reconcilers among people and never provocateurs of discord
and strife, we fulfill this command. We
must tell the truth but always with respect for our interlocutors.
