The Dedication of the Lateran
Basilica – Feast of St. Jon Lateran
Readings: Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9, 12; 1
Cor. 3:9-11, 16-17; Jn. 2:13-22
Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication
of St. John Lateran. St. John Lateran, named after St. John the Baptist and the
ancient Laterani family, is the cathedral church of Rome and one of the four
major basilicas. For almost a thousand years, this church served as the
residence of the Popes. Because it is the cathedral church of Rome and has such
a rich history, its dedication is celebrated throughout the universal Church.
In the Old Testament, Jerusalem was regarded as
the religious center of Israel, especially after David moved the Ark of the
Covenant there around 1000 B.C. Its significance grew even further when Solomon
built a temple there for the Ark and for liturgical services. For centuries,
the Jerusalem Temple was the focal point of Israel’s worship, where people
gathered to pray, worship God, and offer sacrifices. However, it also attracted
individuals who were more interested in making money. This exploitation and disregard
for the poor eventually led Jesus to cleanse the temple. “Jesus went up to Jerusalem and
found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the moneychangers
seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out. He said,
‘Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.’”
(John 2:13-16). He told them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house
of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.’” (Luke 19:45-46).
Jesus predicted the temple’s destruction, saying, “All that you see here—the days
will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not
be thrown down.”
(Luke 21:5-19). This prediction came true seven years later.
At times, we admire the architectural beauty of
a church or temple without considering its purpose. Did that temple elevate
people’s minds toward God? Probably not. Despite its external grandeur, many
abuses occurred within the temple. What about us? Do we conduct ourselves with
reverence in the sacred places designated for the worship of God? We may take
pride in our beautiful Church, but does it truly reflect the glory of God? Do
we worship in spirit and in truth? Are we lacking in forgiveness, compassion,
and mercy within the house of God? Do we welcome all who come to worship,
regardless of their status, influence, race, or appearance? If not, is it not
time for our temple to be reformed?
The first reading speaks of “water
flowing out from beneath the threshold of the temple towards the east; for the
façade of the temple was toward the east; the water flowed down from the
southern side of the temple, south of the altar.” (Ezekiel 47:1). The Church
Fathers interpret this water as representing the Church’s teachings and the
cleansing power of Baptism. St. Jerome commented, “The waters signify either the grace of Baptism or the teaching of the
Gospel. If the waters go out from the threshold of the temple of the Lord and
carry the teaching of the apostles, they have the power to make piles of
gravel, sterile and infertile as they are, bear fruit, and they can irrigate
every plain and every desert.” Do we consistently follow the Church’s
teachings that are essential to building our lives as Christians? Does our
Church help elevate our minds toward God and encourage us to bear good fruit?
We often build structures—perhaps our
achievements, material possessions, or social status—that hinder our complete
surrender to God. These creations may lead us to look down on others or
distract us from God. Our monumental pride may blind us to the presence of God
and others. While it may have taken years to accumulate wealth and build our
empires, if we do not see Christ in them, we risk hearing, “All that you see here—the days
will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not
be thrown down.” When a temple becomes so imposing
that people can no longer see God except in it, the time for its destruction
has come. Our faith requires us to recognize the presence of God in the human
person as well as in the temple.
These readings remind us that in the risen body of Jesus, we find a new temple where God is worshipped and adored as the true house of God. St. Paul reminds us that we are indeed the temple of God, where the true Spirit dwells. If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person, for the temple of God is holy (1 Cor. 3:16-17). Therefore, from the physical structures of our churches, we understand that the glorified Body of Christ is the focal point of all worship directed to the Father, just as the temple was for the Jews. It is through Him, with Him, and in Him that all honor and glory are given to the Father. The physical church building takes on new significance in the context of the Christian faith. It is the place where the Eucharistic Body is present and offered to God.
Additionally, it serves as the
gathering place for the new temple—the Church, which is the people of God.
Therefore, it symbolizes a deeper spiritual reality, representing another
temple not made by human hands. This is the reason we celebrate this feast.
Let me conclude with the prayer of Solomon for
the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem: “Look kindly on the prayer and petition of
your servant, O Lord, my God, and listen to the cry of supplication your
servant makes before you. May your eyes watch over this temple day and night,
the place where you have decreed you shall be honored. May you heed the prayers
which I, your servant, offer toward this place. Listen to the petitions of your
servant and of your people Israel, as they direct their prayers toward this
place. Listen from your heavenly dwelling, and when you have heard, pardon.”
(2 Chronicles 6:20-21). Amen.
Rev.
Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP
