Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; Psalm 46; 1Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17; John 2:13-22
In the first reading Ezekiel speaks of a stream that flowed from the Temple and gave life in abundance wherever it flowed. The second reading says we are the temple of God through the Spirit we have received. Thus, we can speak of the temple as God’s house from which life flows into us abundantly and our body as the Temple of God. For this reason Christ did not allow the people to dishonor the Temple, he drove them out of the Temple. The Temple is the Church, it is the house of God and as Ezekiel noted; it is the source of life for us. Therefore, it should not be dishonoured or disrespected. Our body is also the Temple of God; it should equally not be dishonoured or disrespected. Today’s celebration of the Dedication of St John Lateran’s is a quick reminder of this great implication. In celebrating today’s feast we also celebrate the dedication of the local churches in which we celebrate the sacraments on a daily basis. May we truly respect and revere the house of God. Amen.
LET US PRAY
Father, please let your ears be attentive to our prayer. Holy Spirit, teach us how to revere and adore our Father in true holiness. Please touch the hearts of those who do not revere and adore you, and help them to love you with all their hearts, souls, and strength. Holy Spirit, place in us a hunger and thirst for your righteousness, so that we will be filled. Father, forgive us for sins of pride, rebellion, disobedience, selfishness, hatred, and idolatry. Lord, forgive us for half-hearted worship. Forgive us for disrespecting your name and treating your house irreverently. Lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen.
