THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA (FEAST)

The Lord of hosts is with us. 

Every church building is a symbol in stone and wood and brick that points toward spiritual realities. Some churches reflect the strength and majesty of the Lord, while others reflect his humility and poverty of spirit. Today we celebrate the dedication of a special church, the Lateran Basilica, the cathedral church of the Diocese of Rome.

The Basilica of St. John Lateran was built on property previously owned by the Lateran family—property that fell into the hands of the emperor Constantine in the early fourth century AD. When Constantine embraced Christianity, he donated the Lateran Palace to the bishop of Rome, and it was dedicated as the pope’s cathedral on November 9, 324. Ever since then, it has been considered the mother church of all Catholicism.

Through its architecture, statuary, and art, the Lateran Basilica symbolizes the pope’s unity, both with his immediate flock in Rome and with all Christians who are in communion with him throughout the world. So we celebrate this feast not as outside observers but as members of one body, as brothers and sisters united by the Spirit.

This point is made clear by the inscription over the baptistery connected to this magnificent church: “There is no barrier between those who are reborn and made one by this one font, the one Spirit and the one faith.” We are all one family, saint and sinner alike, with one heavenly Father!

Today, ask the Holy Spirit to give you a deeper understanding of your place in the body of Christ. Ask him to help you see yourself not just as an individual striving for eternal life but as part of a vast family. You are not alone on your journey! You are surrounded by brothers and sisters who can help you—and whom you can help—as you make your way to your Father’s house.

“Thank you, Father, for giving me such a big family. Teach me how to share your love and your grace with all of my brothers and sisters.”

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