The House of God
Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; Psalm 46; 1Cor. 3:9-11, 16-17; John 2:13-22
In the first reading, Ezekiel speaks of a stream that flows from the Temple and gives life in abundance wherever it flows. The second reading speaks of our body as the temple of God through the Spirit we have received. Thus, we can speak of the temple in two ways: as God’s house and as our body.
In the Gospel, Christ did not allow the people to dishonor the Temple. He says, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my father’s house a market place!” Beloved, the temple is a sacred place. It should not be disregarded or disrespected. Moreso, our body as the Temple of God should equally not be dishonoured.
Lastly, today’s celebration of the dedication of St. John Lateran’s Basilica reminds us of the sacredness and sanctity of the house of God. We must not turn it into a market place. We must guide against abuses that are surfacing in the name of harvest and bazaar; let us renounce pride, noise, commercialities, indecent fashion, disobedience, selfishness, hatred, and idolatry in the church.
Let us pray.
O God, who, from living and chosen stones, prepares an eternal dwelling for your majesty, help us to truly respect and revere your house and abstain from defiling our bodies. Amen.
