THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA (FEAST)

You are God’s building. 

While St. Peter’s Basilica might be the most popular church in Rome, today’s feast recognizes another important building, the one that serves as the cathedral of the bishop of Rome: the Lateran Basilica. Inside this ancient church, an inscription reads, “The mother and head of all churches of the city and of the world.” This church serves as a sign of the unity of all the Catholic churches around the world.

It’s not just that all these churches are united because of their relationship to the Lateran. We as believers are also united. We are “God’s building” and a sign of the physical presence of God in the world. Our foundation is Jesus Christ himself, and it is this shared foundation that unites us all as one (1 Corinthians 3:11).

We are part of a Church that spans the whole world and that encompasses a greater diversity of cultures and backgrounds than we can imagine! Even the readers of this magazine span a large portion of the globe. You might be reading this today from India, Nigeria, Mexico, Australia, or any number of other countries. You may be reading it from a correction facility, while on military assignment, in a country experiencing turbulence, or while homebound. None of us are just individual Christians; we are part of something much greater!

Today’s feast is a chance to celebrate that together, we make up “God’s building” throughout the world (1 Corinthians 3:9). Wherever you live, and in whatever circumstances you find yourself, you can rejoice that you are part of a worldwide family of faith. You are not alone! In fact, God promises to not only be with you but to make his dwelling in you! As St. Paul says, “You are the temple of God, and . . . the Spirit of God dwells in you” (3:16). Rejoice today because of his presence in you and in every brother and sister in Christ around the world.

“Lord, thank you for making me part of your worldwide family. Thank you for making your home in me!”

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