Readings: Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12, Ps. 46:2-3,5-6,8-9, John 2:13-22
“The Jews then said, ‘This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it in three days?’ But he was speaking of the temple of his body.” (John 2:20-21)
Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, one of the great churches in Rome. Our celebration allows us to reflect on the meaning of “dedication” and its impact on our relationship with God.
- To say a building or any object is dedicated to God is to say such can never be used for any purpose other than for God. This is because, by the act of dedication, the presence of God has been invoked upon such. As such, anyone who fears God must respect whatever is dedicated (offered) to God.
- A dedicated Church building is not any building; it is a place to meet God, a place to pray, and a place of security and peace. Walking into a dedicated Church, fully conscious of God’s presence, is like stepping into heaven. The beauty of a dedicated church evokes the heart to pray and deepens the believer’s faith.
- Ezekiel describes the house of God as a place from which grace, power, life, health, and wealth flow like a river. In today’s Gospel passage, we hear Jesus say, “You shall not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” We must avoid using the house of God as a place of business.
- Jesus angrily drove out from the temple to those who were desecrating the place by selling oxen, sheep, and doves and changing money. When asked what sign he would give to show he had the authority to cleanse the temple, he responded: “Destroy this temple, and in three days, I will raise it.” Jesus was speaking of the temple of his own body.
- As much as we must respect the house of God, we must never forget that our very bodies are also dedicated temples of God. Today, we are called to cleanse our minds and hearts. We are called to make a whip of cords and search through our lives for any sinful inclination or vice that pollutes the temple of our bodies.
- This is the point St. Paul emphasises in today’s second reading: “You are God’s building… For God’s temple is holy, and that temple you are.” Remember who you are. You are God’s temple – you carry God within you. This also means that God is in your neighbour. No wonder Jesus said: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.” (Matthew 25:45). Show respect to others not on account of their riches but the mere fact that they are God’s temple.
- St. Paul also adds: “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and that temple you are.” This should give us confidence, knowing that God’s armour of protection is always upon us as long as we remain God’s children. As the Psalmist would say: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, forgive us for sins against bodily purity, make us always conscious that our bodies are your temples and deepen our respect for items dedicated to you. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Dedication of the Lateran Basilica - Feast. Bible Study: Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12, Ps. 46:2-3,5-6,8-9, John 2:13-22).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu