Feast of St. John Lateran


The Basilica of Saint John Lateran is the cathedral of Rome. It was built during Constantine's reign and was consecrated by Pope Saint Sylvester I in 324. This feast was later made a universal celebration in honor of the basilica called "the mother and mistress of all churches of Rome and the world" as a sign of love for and union with the See of Saint Peter.

Readings: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12: Psalm 45; 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17; John 2:13-22

Reflections on the Readings:

In the first reading from Ezekiel we read how a stream flowed from the Temple and gave life in abundance wherever it flowed. If we look at the distance from the Temple as a timeline then we see that over time the river grows to become a great torrent with the Temple being Christ. What is in the river could be seen as the members of the Church and what is on the banks as those who come into contact with members of the Church. Whether the people be in the river or on the bank, all receive life from the river. In the second reading, St Paul reminds us that we are all God’s temple through the Spirit which has been given to us and therefore we must preserve this temple and strengthen it in the faith. The Temple is not just a stone building but it is each and every one of us who has God within them. In the Gospel, we see Jesus driving out of the Temple those who had dishonored it. The Church is the house of God and it is the source of life for us and that is what we celebrate today. It is our duty to build up the Church of God – the Church within each of us and the Church as the unity and gathering of all who believe in Christ.
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