(Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome)
[Readings: Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; 1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17; 3:3-8; Jn 2:13-22]
By Fr. Precious Ezeh
Today, the Church celebrates the feast of the Lateran Basilica in Rome (also known as the Papal Archbasilica of St. John Lateran). It is the Archcathedral Church of the Archdiocese of Rome and the seat of the Roman Pontiff, the Pope. In terms of antiquity, it is the oldest of the four papal basilicas and one of the foremost Churches in Rome, built under Pope Melchiade in the fourth century (311-314).
As the Church marks this special celebration, the readings of the day point to the sanctity of the Lord’s temple, with the second reading reminding us that we are also human temples meant for the Holy Spirit.
In the first reading (Ez. 47:1-12), Ezekiel was granted a vision of the temple in Jerusalem. From the threshold of the temple came a flowing water which caused life to blossom wherever it went and made trees and plants to grow and bear fruits in season and out of season. Surely, water naturally has the capacity to cause life to spring up wherever it goes, but this water flowing from the threshold of the temple is shown to be of divine source. In other words, the temple, which is God’s holy place is the source of this endless vitality, thus making the glorious effects of this water the act of God.
In the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians, Paul reminds us that we are God’s building; the temple of the Holy Spirit! Jesus is the foundation and the Holy Spirit resides within us. We are also shown to be co-builders of this temple. Thus, Paul encourages us to be careful how we build upon this temple because if we destroy this temple, God will destroy us! (1 Cor. 3:17). This temple that we are, is meant to be holy and will be tested by fire (1 Cor. 3:13). If so, it requires the purest of materials indestructible by fire then to construct.
Here are few theological implications from these readings:
1. The temple is not just the physical edifice. The temple is also the people of God. Collectively, we are a living temple made of living stones, while Jesus remains the Cornerstone (Cf. 1 Pet. 2:4-5). Individually, as shown in the second reading, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us (1 Cor. 3:16). Therefore, each person must ensure to keep this temple holy and fitting for his presence.
2. Jesus is the perfect and indestructible temple, from whose side the threshold of salvation is laid bare. On the Cross of Calvary, when his side was pierced, blood and water came forth. Thus, he gave his lifeblood and from his side the living spring which brings new life wherever it flows, gushed forth, availing us of the waters of regeneration, the waters of baptism. Later in John 4:10, Jesus would say to the Samaritan woman, “if you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water”. In other words, Jesus is the Living Temple that produces the living water, offering it freely to whomever he wills.
In our own bodily temples, our consciences represent the voice of God in us. Like Jesus, it flares up in holy anger whenever we defile our bodily temple by allowing all sorts of impurity or harboring evil thoughts within us.As we celebrate the feast of the Lateran Basilica today, may we all remember that we remain the living Basilica of the Holy Spirit. And like the flowing waters of Ezekiel, may we also become like Jesus, the wellspring of living water that gives life to everything it touches, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
