November 9, Dedication Lateran Basilica

The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High. — Psalm 46:5 

Mass reading: Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12 / 1 Corinthians 3:9-11,16-17 / John 2:13-22 

Beyond Bricks and Mortar 

Whenever I hear the Gospel story of Jesus clearing the temple of moneychangers, I can’t help but flash to images from the 1970s film Jesus of Nazareth. Amid scattered coins and bleating lambs, we see Jesus staring up at the temple and to heaven beyond, and we hear Him promise: “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.”  

We have the benefit of hindsight. We know what Jesus meant. But if Jesus were to walk into our parish church today and say something similar, would we get it? More likely we’d have an usher escort Him to the parking lot. Today we’re challenged to see beyond bricks and mortar, to see our very selves as a temple for the Spirit of God, a temple that no one can destroy. 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, I want to make myself into a temple that is worthy of You.