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)
A woman once badgered an official of a minute city not to approve a request for rezoning. The request came from a small Christian community that wanted to use a storefront for its church. The woman opposed the request because the property would no longer generate tax revenue. The official approved the request, however, because he thought it advantageous to have churches within the city.
Not only in the marketplace but also within the Christian community there exists ambivalence about church structures. We build churches not only to give people a place to congregate but also to testify to the glory of God. Yet we know that churches transcend buildings. The primary theological definition for the church is “the people of God” forming the “Body of Christ.” As Paul teaches the Corinthians in the second reading today, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”
The Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral church of Rome, is called “the mother and head of all churches of the city and of the world.” In celebrating its dedication today we celebrate all church buildings. They are not as important as the people who worship inside them. But they perform an invaluable service by providing those worshippers a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the world where they may pray to their Creator.
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Homilette for Friday, November 9, 2007
You can find homilettes for weekdays between October 29 and today below.
Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
(John 2:13-22)
Today’s feast, the Dedication of St. John Lateran, is somewhat of an anomaly. That is, it is somewhat unusual. We seldom celebrate the anniversaries of churches. But the Lateran Basilica, as it is called, is also known as the “mother church of Christendom” or “the pope’s church.” In celebrating it we celebrate all Christian churches.
Today’s gospel shows Jesus driving money-changers from the Temple area. Speaking of anomalies, we see Jesus in this scene, which is repeated in each of the four gospels, using force. We should not conclude that he regularly resorted to arms or that he would tolerate their employment as much as our society does. Jesus remains the Prince of Peace who warned us that the one who “lives by the sword dies by the sword” and commanded us to “love your enemies.” He takes us the whip as an extreme act to show necessary regard for God’s house.
We should have a similar reverence for our churches. God can encounter humans anywhere He chooses. But we build churches to His glory so that He might choose to meet us there regularly. As we enter church we customarily dip our fingers in the holy water font and make the sign of the cross. This signifies our cleansing ourselves of the contaminants of the world – the inordinate desire for fame, fortune, and fun – so that we might listen to God talk to our hearts.
Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
(John 2:13-22)
Today’s feast, the Dedication of St. John Lateran, is somewhat of an anomaly. That is, it is somewhat unusual. We seldom celebrate the anniversaries of churches. But the Lateran Basilica, as it is called, is also known as the “mother church of Christendom” or “the pope’s church.” In celebrating it we celebrate all Christian churches.
Today’s gospel shows Jesus driving money-changers from the Temple area. Speaking of anomalies, we see Jesus in this scene, which is repeated in each of the four gospels, using force. We should not conclude that he regularly resorted to arms or that he would tolerate their employment as much as our society does. Jesus remains the Prince of Peace who warned us that the one who “lives by the sword dies by the sword” and commanded us to “love your enemies.” He takes us the whip as an extreme act to show necessary regard for God’s house.
We should have a similar reverence for our churches. God can encounter humans anywhere He chooses. But we build churches to His glory so that He might choose to meet us there regularly. As we enter church we customarily dip our fingers in the holy water font and make the sign of the cross. This signifies our cleansing ourselves of the contaminants of the world – the inordinate desire for fame, fortune, and fun – so that we might listen to God talk to our hearts.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)