Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. It is the oldest and the highest ranking of the four basilicas in Rome and the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope, who is the Bishop of Rome. This basilica also holds other names: the Church of Holy Savior, the Church of St. John Baptist and St John the Evangelist. In ancient Rome, this was the church where everyone was baptized. St John Lateran is the oldest church in the West, built in the time of the Emperor Constantine and consecrated by Pope Sylvester in 324. When I was visiting Rome with the Notre Dame program, I got to celebrate mass in the baptistry of St John Lateran, which was an amazing experience.
Our first reading today from the prophet Ezekiel gives us the vision of a new temple, with life-giving water from from it.Throughout Israel’s history, the people chose to leave the path of faith many times. While in exile, Ezekiel responds to God’s call to become his prophet. Ezekiel proclaims his prophetic visions to the people of Israel, calling them back to God. Ezekiel makes many sacrifices in order to follow this prophetic call. In today’s reading, Ezekiel’s vision foresees the glory of the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, when the Jews will be able to return back from their exile.
Our celebration of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica speaks to us about the importance of our parishes as places of community and worship. Our buildings and the Body of Christ that lives within our parishes are important symbols, as is the symbol of each believer being a holy temple where the Spirit lives within. As Ezekiel and the other prophets suffered and worked for the building up of God’s kingdom, may we continue to be living stones in God’s kingdom as we celebrate this historic basilica of Rome today, our Mother Church.
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