HOMILY FOR NOVEMBER 9, FEAST OF THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA.
THEME: Wash, make yourselves clean!
BY: Rev Fr Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese)
Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12; John 2:13-22
Today we celebrate the dedication of the Cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, the Mother and Head of all the Churches of the City of Rome, and the world. Many Catholics think St Peter’s Basilica is the seat of the Bishop of Rome; they are wrong. It has always been the Basilica of St. John Lateran; that same Church that was built by Emperor Constantine on Lateran Hill in 324 AD, and dedicated to the Most Holy Saviour, and Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, respectively. Holy Mother Church has celebrated this feast since the Twelfth Century, as a symbol of her respect for the authority Jesus first gave to Saint Peter, which has been passed down in an unbroken succession from Pope to Pope, down the ages.
RELATED: HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA.
Friends, today’s readings remind us of the holiness and sanctity that sanctuaries should have; the kind that is so contagious that anyone who comes close is transformed forever. But beyond buildings of stone and pillars, we are God’s buildings; living stones making up his temple. But don’t we sometimes forget that the Spirit of God dwells in us? As we celebrate this Sacred House of Worship and prayer, we have another opportunity to wash and purify ourselves. Jesus Christ will not smile at us when we continue to turn his Father’s house into a market place by the many cares and distractions of this world. Immorality must stop; we must put to death lies and gossip, envy and jealousy, scandal and backbiting. Let us run to the confessional NOW. Christ is waiting to make us new.
Let us pray!
We pray for God’s glory may his Kingdom come, we pray for his vicar, our Holy Father Pope Francis, and Rome. Amen.
Good morning dear. God bless your day ahead.