My dear brothers and sisters in Christ
After the second world war a small catholic church in a village in Europe was severely damaged. The bombing had destroyed the roof and shattered the windows, when the parishioners began to clear what was left, they found something remarkable, the statue of the risen Christ was still standing but both hands of the statue were broken off. Some parishioners wanted to repair it, but their pastor said, no, leave it as it is, then he placed a board beneath the statue that read, “Christ has no hands but yours”. It became a living sermon for that parish, a reminder that Christ continues his saving work through the hands, hearts and lives of his people. The feast of the dedication of the Lateran Basilica which we celebrate today is not just about a physical building in Rome, it is about us, the living church, the body of Christ. Many people think that St Peter’s Basilica is the Pope’s cathedral because it is so famous and majestic, but in fact the Cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, that is the Pope, is St John Lateran Basilica. It is the oldest church in the city of Rome dedicated on November 9th 324 AD by Pope St. Sylvester. For that reason, it is called the mother and head of all churches in the world. Today’s feast reminds us that the Church is not just bricks and mortar, every church building points to something greater, the unity and holiness of the entire people of God. The Lateran Basilica stands as a visible sign of that unity under the successor of Peter the Pope.
The readings for the feast of the dedication of the Lateran Basilica of St. John reminds us of the deep significance of the temple, not just as a physical edifice but as a sign of God’s presence among us. Today’s first reading from the Prophet Ezekiel gives us a powerful image of hope – a river flowing from the temple of God. Ezekiel saw water trickling out from beneath the temple threshold, small at first, but as it flowed further it became a deep and mighty river. Wherever the river went life appeared, trees grew, fish multiplied and even the salty lifeless waters became fresh. To understand this vision, we need to know the context. The people of Israel were in exile, their beloved city Jerusalem lay in ruins. The temple, the very sign of God’s presence, had been destroyed. They felt abandoned and lifeless, like a dry desert. Yet in that darkness, God is saying “I have not forgotten you, my presence will return, and life will flow again”. The river from the temple is a symbol of God’s grace and spirit. What begins as a small trickle becomes a flood of life. It reminds us that God’s work often begins quietly, in prayer, in small acts of kindness, in forgiveness but it grows and transforms everything it touches. Where God’s grace flows death gives way to life, bitterness turns to sweetness, and barrenness becomes fruitful. Ezekiel also speaks of trees that grow along the banks of the river, trees that bear fruit every month, whose leaves bring healing. This is an image of the Christian life. When we remain rooted in God, nourished by his presence we too can bear fruit in every season, love, joy, patience, mercy, and our lives can bring healing to others.
In the Gospel passage Jesus speaks of His own body as a new temple. “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up”. He was speaking of the temple of His body. Through baptism you and I become part of that body, living temples of the Holy Spirit. In the second reading St Paul uses a powerful image to describe the church and each believer. He says “you are God’s building” reminding the Corinthians that their faith is not their own doing but something built carefully on the foundation that God has already laid, ‘Jesus Christ’. Paul sees himself as a builder who has already laid the foundation through preaching the Gospel. But he insists that no one can lay a better foundation than Christ himself. Everything in our Christian life must rest up on Him. The church in Corinth was facing division and pride, some believers claimed to follow Paul, others Apollos, and others Peter. To correct them Paul uses the image of a building to stress unity. Different people may help to build the church through teaching, service, and prayer. But all must build on the same foundation: Christ’s Love, Truth, and Sacrifice. Without Him, everything else crumbles. Then Paul goes even deeper “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s spirit dwells in you” this is not just poetic language, it is a truth about who we are. Every Christian and the community as whole, is a dwelling place of God. The Holy Spirit lives within us, making our hearts a sacred temple. That is why Paul warns, if anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person. He is reminding us how serious it is to harm the Church or another person, through gossip, division, or sin. This passage invites us to reflect on two things: first: what kind of building am I helping to construct in my faith community, one built on Christ or on ego and comparison. Second, do I truly see myself and others as a temple of the Holy Spirit? If God’s Spirit dwells in us then our lives, words and relationships should reflect holiness, unity and love.
As we celebrate this feast, we are reminded of that, the Church is built of loving hearts joined together in faith and charity. When we gossip, hold grudges or sow division we slowly break down the walls of that living temple, but when we serve, forgive, and love we repair those walls and make the church stronger and more beautiful. So today as we celebrate the feast of this ancient basilica in Rome, Christ still says to us today, I have no hands but yours, no feet but yours, no heart but yours. Let us then be His hands that serve, His feet that bring the Gospel and His heart that loves without measure, may this feast renew our commitment to be one church, Holy, United and live in Love. Amen