It is 9th November 2020. We celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. The readings are Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; the second reading is from 1Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17; and the Gospel from John 2:13-22.
As we celebrate the mother of all Churches, the Cathedral of Rome, and the Church of the Pope, we are reminded to reflect about our temples where the Spirit of God resides. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9). Keeping our inner sanctuary pure and holy for God makes us to accommodate the suffering humanity in our homes. Let the living water of hope, love and mercy flow from every thought and deed to our families we belong and to the entire human family the community. “Do you not know that you are God’s temple[a] and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Cor 3:16). The urgency to feel the presence of God in the temples built by the Lord cannot be overlooked in the rush of glorifying and worshiping in the temples built by people.
During this pandemic, some of us have lost touch with the Church today due to restriction and social distancing. How many of us still care and cherish the love and protection of the Church even now by being the domestic church that goes out and reaching out to people in need. Yes we are deprived of the Sacraments not sanctity.
Jesus admonishes us, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” (Jn.2:16). We give so much honour, respect and glory to the parish Church we belong but not the parishioners. Church is a living person that longs to have the presence of God in others. May we make efforts to connect with the others as often as we can to be aware of God’s presence and glory not only in the consecrated buildings and persons but in every human being. May we be the abode of God by our love and mercy we show to one another reminding the presence of God and remaining in the presence of one another. Have a lovely day. God bless you.