WEDNESDAY OF THE 32nd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)
Mystery of the day: Glorious
Celebration: The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
The Lateran Basilica is the cathedral of Rome. It was built in the time of Constantine and was consecrated by Pope Sylvester in 324. This feast became a universal celebration in honor of the basilica called "the mother and mistress of all churches of Rome and the world" (omnium urbis et orbis ecclesiarum mater et caput) as a sign of love for and union with the See of Peter.
Table of the Word: Ezekiel 47:1-2.8-9.12 ; I Corinthians 3:9-11.16-17; John 2:13-22.
"You are God's building. According to the commission of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it." (I Corinthians 3:9-10)
Theme: We are the Temple of God.
Reflection for the day
Today, we join the universal Church to celebrate the dedication of the Lateran Basilica - the Mother and Mistress of all Churches, a sure reminder of who we are: "God's Temple".
It is in the light of this scenario, that St. Paul our brother and apostle of the Gentiles in his first epistle to the Corinthians Church avers:
"You are God's building. According to the commission of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it." (I Corinthians 3:9-10)
And in continuation of the text, he established that we are all God's Temple, that is where God dwells. And that, if any one destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and that temple you are. (I Corinthians 3:16-17)
How then do we protect this Temple of God which we are? This becomes a pertinent question begging for answer in our minds.
Sometimes we dent this sacred place of God (our bodies) out of weakness and negligence through what we put on, what we take or what we do with it.
Above all, let us not lost consciousness of the fact that God Himself loves us more than we love ourselves. As such we need to hold tenaciously with care this precious gift God has given to us (our bodies), if not God may bring His anger upon us as Jesus publicly did today in the gospel reading with those who desecrated the house of God. (cf. John 2:13-22)
Finally, let us make sincere effort in keeping our bodies pure so as to be sweet smelling fragrance before the Lord. As Prophet Ezekiel reiterates in his vision, the flowing water which fertilized desert and brings forth good yields. Stating that: "Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing." (Ezekiel 47:12). May these prophetic words gain roots in our lives as we take care of our bodies as God's Temple. Peace, be with you!
Let us pray
O God, who from living and chosen stones prepare an eternal dwelling for your majesty, increase in your Church the spirit of grace you have bestowed, so that by new growth your faithful people may build up the heavenly Jerusalem. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
© The ARCHIVE 09112022
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