Readings
I - Ezk. 47: 1-2, 8-9, 12
II - Jn. 2: 13-22
Dedication of the Lateran Basilica (Feast)
WE ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD
The extension of the ‘tent of meeting’ pitched by Moses (Ex. 7:33) was the temple the Israelites built for the Lord. The ‘tent of dwelling’ (Jn. 1:14) is what we are, the temple of God where the Spirit of the Lord dwells (1 cor. 6:19). The former is the dwelling made for God and the latter is God made dwelling for Himself. In the ‘tent of meeting’ God consents to dwell and in the ‘tent of dwelling’ God desires to dwell. The purpose being the same: prayer, worship, praises, thanksgiving and ultimately the spread of the glory of God. The precedence of commerce, trade and business profaned the purpose of the temple that triggered the anger of Jesus resulting in the cleaning of the temple.
We are created to sing the praises of God and spread the glory of His name through our Love, peace, unity, fraternity, justice and amicability towards one another, wherever we are. If we had failed in this purpose we need to be cleansed so as to be restored to our purpose. Today we celebrate the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Church, called as the ‘Mother and Mistress of all Churches”. May the celebration enable, enkindle and enthuse us to live up to the purpose as the temple of God. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord our God, May my life become an unending praise to you”.
