It is 09th November 2015. We celebrate the feast of the Dedication of Lateran Basilica. The first church to be built after Emperor Constantine’s edict in 313 which offered the spiritual freedom to thank, praise and worship God in a place. The Basilica is honoured as the ‘mother and head of all the churches of the city and the world.’ The readings are from Ezk.47:1-2, 8-9, 12; 1 Cor.3:9c-11, 16-17 and the Gospel from Jn.2:13-22. In the first reading, the river symbolizes life and blessings from God that flows from His altar. God transforms our lives in the temple by providing us the life-giving water. God can change our lives in the church no matter how lifeless and sinfully corrupt it may be. Even we feel betrayed, abused, messed up, taken for ride, unnoticed, unrecognized, underappreciated, God’s power in the church can offer timely hope, power and healing. The second reading reminds us of our spiritual dignity. “For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” (1 Cor.3:17). In the Gospel, Jesus opens the doors of the temple by His cleansing and inviting us to have a new relationship with God. The church is the place to remove our greed, pride and anger. It is the place to embrace holiness and goodness in meeting God and people. Let us practice our true humanity in seeking for our divinity in and around us. The church must not become a dumping ground for our social sins. We need to give the dignity and respect due for the church and beware of mixing social distractions with spiritual endeavours. What is your personal response when God’s space is desecrated and abused for business activities? Let us protect and preserve the dignity of the church.