Flocknote Reflection - The Basilica of St John Lateran in Rome

    This past Monday, we commemorated the feast day of the dedication of the Basilica of St John Lateran in Rome.  St John Lateran is the church of the Pope, the Bishop of Rome.  It is the oldest Church in the West, established in the era of the Emperor Constantine and consecrated by Pope Sylvester in the 4th century.  On the baptistry of the basilica are inscribed the following words, which date from the 5th century: "No barrier can divide where life unites - one faith, one fount, one spirit - makes one people.” These are important words for us to live out in our Catholic faith.  These are important words for us to think about and reflect upon, especially as we see all that is going on in society today, how we as a society are so polarized and so intolerant of ideas and perspectives that are different from our own.  Through my travels, my studies, and my missionary work, I have had the opportunity to visit many different cultures and places.  I have been in huge cities throughout the world.  I have been to isolated rural areas in the middle of nowhere as well.  I have been to Mass in many different languages and cultures as well in North America, in South America, in Africa, and in Europe.  I have loved all of these experiences, of having the opportunity to see life in a completely different way and of seeing all the unites us as human beings and as disciples of Christ. 

      In his letters, St Paul constantly called the members of the Christian communities to unity, solidarity, and peace.  May our Christian identity help us unite, rather than to divide.  May we see ourselves as members of the universal Church of our Lord Jesus Christ.