The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica (Feast)

Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.

“Built to Last.” The Ford Motor Company used this slogan to advertise its trucks for many years. It was a very successful ad campaign—but why? Because as we know, many things don’t last. So many things fall apart faster than we’d like—not just our cars, but our appliances, our furniture, even our homes. So it’s great to find something that is well-built, sturdy, and reliable.

On this feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran, we are indeed celebrating something that is “built to last”—the Church! Dedicated in AD 324, the Basilica of St. John Lateran is the world’s oldest church. It is the cathedra, or “chair,” of the Bishop of Rome, the pope. It is essentially the “home church” for all the world’s Catholics. But as amazing as that is, it’s not the real reason we are celebrating today. We are celebrating because this particular church turns our thoughts toward a home that will never disappear.

Of course, the basilica will one day decay—as will all of our churches. That’s because a church building is not our eternal home. But inside each church is a tabernacle, where Jesus dwells. He is our eternal home. He is the One who brings God and his people together as one—something we are reminded of every time we enter a church. Every church, in fact, shows us that our eternal home is with God, in Christ.

So the next time you’re longing for something that will last, get to church! Turn your attention toward the tabernacle, where Christ dwells under the humble appearance of bread and wine. Take a moment to be still and trust that the Lord will never leave you. Let his presence nourish you and make you secure in knowing that you have a home with Christ that is “built to last”—forever.

“Lord, I praise you for your steadfast faithfulness. May I learn to trust you in every situation. You are the rock on which I stand!”

Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12
Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9
1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17
John 2:13-22