Dedication Of The Lateran Basilica – Feast 

Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12
John 2:13-22

1700 years and beyond!

Today we celebrate the mother of all churches of the city of Rome and the world- St. John Lateran Basilica The first among the four major Basilicas in Rome.The cathedral of the bishop of Rome-The Roman Pontiff. It is indeed the Cathedral of Rome and the whole world. Five ecumenical councils had taken place there. Every year, the Pope celebrates the Holy Thursday Mass there. It was originally built by the Emperor Constantine in the 4th century. A model for many Church building and a sign of unity with the Holy Father. The central of Roman Catholicism. Faith is rooted in History because our salvation was won at a certain time in the history of the world.

In today’s gospel, Christ entered into the Temple just before the Passover and we can immediately sense His passion for God’s building and His reaction towards those who do not have reverence for the temple. As a matter of fact, He had to make a whip of cords to teach them a lesson. Scripture is fulfilled here, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’ are we also consume with zeal? Is our heart burning with the fire of love for His Church and His people? What is our response to Church laws and thoughts?

One of the scriptural passages used for the celebration of the Dedication of a Church reminds us that “this is the house of God and gate of heaven.” We all have a good grasp of the idea of God’s house, but I wonder how many of us think of the Church and the Sacraments as the gate of heaven? Do we think beyond our comfort zones of a well-established and developed Church building as against those who are trying to gather as a Church but lack the possibility as a result of certain limitations or setbacks? Are we temples of the Holy Spirit. Remember 1Cor3:17 says, the temple of God is holy and you are that temple.

As we celebrate Mass today the Cathedral of Rome and the world, Let the water of the river give joy to God’s city. Let us never forget that He calls us to follow Him, to spread the gospel, to be the living letters of the good news by our good conduct, and at the end to be with Him in heaven where he reigns in glory. We must not get stuck in our beautiful earthly houses but remember that we stand here at the gate of heaven, through which we are called to pass to others the message about our true home beyond. Amen.

Blessings and peace of Christ I wish to all of you today!

Fr Joseph Osho