Our Sacred Space
There are four major basilicas in the city of Rome. The most important is probably the Archbasilica Cathedral of the Most Holy Savior and of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist in the Lateran, or simply the Lateran Basilica.
Church Anniversary
On November 9, we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. The Lateran Basilica is the mother church of the entire world and its history is filled with a cruel emperor, conspiracy and even murder. On that Sunday, we hear the Gospel of the Cleansing of the Temple (John 2:13-22) which shows us an interesting side of Jesus. He takes out a whip and overturns tables. Jesus was angry, not because he disliked people, but because he loved God’s house. It had become noisy, full of trade and distraction; it was disturbing the peace of the sacred space of the temple.
Our Temple, Our Sacred Space
We, too, have “temples” sacred spaces within us where God longs to dwell. Yet how often is our peace disturbed by worries, busyness, frustration, or voices that pull us in different directions. We need to have the courage to clear out what no longer belongs in our "temple" so that something holy can grow. Cleaning the temple reminds us to make room for what truly matters: to quiet the noise, restore peace and allow God to be at the center.
Living The Message
As we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica and the 87th anniversary of our own church, remember that every church, large or small, ancient or new, points to a greater reality: we are living temples of God’s Spirit. May our hearts, like our church, always remain open to a place where God feels at home.