Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. Ordinarily, we would mark the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, but since the Feast falls on a Sunday, it takes precedence. This might seem strange, but it represents more than just recalling a building of brick and stone. Rather, it’s a day to marvel at what the Lord has done through His Church.

In our first reading, the Prophet Ezekiel has a vision of the Temple, around 580 BC. The great Temple of Solomon– the meeting place between God and man– had been crushed by the Babylonian Empire. To a desperate people, Ezekiel’s vision gave hope for a new Temple – from which water would flow to bring life and salvation.

In our Gospel, we find the prophet’s vision fulfilled, though not in the rebuilt Temple that was renovated by Herod. Rather, it was fulfilled in the Person of Jesus Christ—the new and everlasting meeting place between God and Man. From His side flowed water – blood and water – the blood of the Holy Eucharist and the living water of Baptism, which brings life and salvation. He founded a Church to go into the whole world to teach, and baptize in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

In 324, Constantine donated the Palace of the Laterani Family to the Church, its first basilica. It remains the official seat (Cathedral) of the Bishop of Rome. In a sense, it is the mother-church of the world.

The readings & the history remind us that the Church is no mere building, or human institution, but the Church of Jesus Christ – prophesied, born, and growing in the midst of circumstances that always seem overwhelming and impossible.

This week, take time to praise God for His Glorious Gifts! He has made you a living Temple of the Holy Spirit, and He has called and nourished you in His Holy Church!

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