Today we celebrate the dedication of the Lateran Basilica, considered to be the mother of all the churches. This Basilica was built by Emperor Constantine on the Lateran Hill around the year 320 A.D.  It is the cathedral of the Pope who doubles as the Bishop of Rome. In the first reading, Prophet Ezekiel opens our eyes to the power and efficacy of the temple of God.  The temple of God is a place of refuge, succour and comfort. It is a place of healing and restoration. At the centre of the House of God, is the altar of sacrifice where the Eucharist is broken for us all. The Eucharist which is Christ’s body is healing itself. All who approach the altar of Sacrifice are saved, healed and restored. Because of the power and efficacy of the temple of God, Jesus in the gospel drove away all those who turned it into a market place. If Jesus is interested about the physical temple, what will now happen to the spiritual temples – our own bodies? St Paul in the second reading reminds us that we are God’s temple and that God’s spirit dwells in us.  And that if anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. We cannot decide to live our lives as it pleases us. Let us endeavour to use our bodies for the glory of God.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, give me the grace and will-power to use my body to your glory. Amen