Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. There are four major basilicas in Rome: St Peter, St Paul, St Mary Major, and St John Lateran. The Basilica of St Peter seems to get more attention compared to the others. Yet, St John Lateran is the oldest and the highest ranking of the four basilicas in Rome. It is the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope, the Bishop of Rome. St John Lateran is also called the Church of the Holy Savior or the Church of St. John the Baptist. In ancient Rome, this was the church where everyone was baptized. I celebrated Mass in the Baptistry there with the Notre Dame group last spring, which was an amazing experience. It is the oldest church in the West, built during the reign of the Emperor Constantine and consecrated by Pope Sylvester in 324.
Today, Ezekiel gives us the vision of a new temple, from which flows life-giving water. Throughout Israel’s history, the people chose to leave God’s path many times. While in exile, Ezekiel responded to God’s call to become his prophet. He communicates his prophetic vision to the people of Israel, calling them back to God. Ezekiel makes many sacrifices in order to follow this prophetic call. Ezekiel’s vision foresees the glory of the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, when the Jews will be able to go back to Jerusalem after their exile.
As we celebrate the Basilica of St John Lateran today, we can reflect upon the importance of our parishes as places of community and worship. Our buildings and the Body of Christ that lives within them are important symbols, as is the symbol of each believer being a holy temple where the Holy 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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