It is 9th November 2016. We celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. The readings are from Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; and the second reading is from 1Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17; and the Gospel from John 2:13-22. We will be wondering why we are celebrating a feast day for a building. This is the Cathedral Basilica of the Bishop of Rome. It is the Mother Church for all through her we receive all the blessings. It is the sign of God’s presence among us. It is where God resides amidst us. We read in the entrance antiphon of the Eucharist, “Behold God’s dwelling with the human race. It is also the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit and the body of Christ. He will dwell with them and they will be his people, and God himself with them will be their God.” (Rev.21:3). The first reading speaks about the river, which is associated with the river in the Garden of Eden and symbolises life and blessings from God. The water that flows enriches and freshens the Dead Sea and could support life. No matter how lifeless and hopeless we might be now, still we can be revived and rejuvenated by the streams of healing, hope and love that flows from the Church. God’s power that flows from the church whenever we feel miserable and messed up. In the second readings, St. Paul reminds each one of us that “We are God’s field and God’s building.” ((1 Cor.3:9). As our human bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, so the local small Christian communities. Anyone who destroys such temples for his personal and hidden agenda, God will not spare that person. God will not be silent when we engage ourselves in ruining the church in the basis of tribalism, groupism, divisions, controversies and other sins. We who are engaging in dividing the Church are seriously warned that God would deal with us very personally. “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person.” (1 Cor.3:17). The responsorial Psalm prays, “The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High.” (Ps.46:5). The Gospel teaches us that we must not misuse God’s house. We need to care for the house of God and keep it holy, clean and pure. It is the worship place for all people not a social and business centre. Let us not mix our political, tribal, emotional issues with the worship. Our charity and obedience must be the brooms to clean our dirty sacred space for God. May you have good day. God bless you.