money-changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the
temple court, together with the oxen and sheep. He knocked over the tables of the
moneychangers, scattering the coins, and ordered the people selling doves, “Take all this away,
and stop making a marketplace of my Father’s house!” His disciples recalled the words of
Scripture: Zeal for your house devours me like fire. The Jews then questioned Jesus,
“Where are the miraculous signs which give you the right to do this?” And Jesus said,
“Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then replied,
“The building of this temple has already taken forty-six years, and will you raise it up in
three days?” Actually, Jesus was referring to the temple of his body. Only when he had
risen from the dead did his disciples remember these words; then they believed both the
Scripture and the words Jesus had spoken.
Reflect
I used to find it strange that the whole Church celebrates the Dedication of the Lateran
Basilica. Why would the entire world need to celebrate a church in the city of Rome?
The Lateran Basilica is the cathedral church of Rome, meaning that it – not Saint Peter’s
Basilica – is the Pope’s cathedral. So, by celebrating this feast, we are reminded of the
Church’s unity under the Pope, the Bishop of Rome.
Today’s readings remind us that the Church is much more than a building. The Church is the
Body of Christ, called to be his presence in the world. We are founded on Christ, filled with
the Holy Spirit, and called to holiness. Though each member of the Church has his or her
own vocation, each of us is called to live according to God’s will, living as missionary
disciples who share the Good News so that all may dwell in the kingdom of God.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023