OUR BODIES ARE HOLY TEMPLES - 11/09/22 (Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome)

John 2:13b-16

Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money-changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110922.cfm

Blessed Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome! In the gospel reading, our Lord Jesus came to the temple in Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the city that represents the dwelling place of God. But, what did our Lord see? He saw that the temple, which was meant to be a sacred place for prayer and worship, became a place of business. The people made the holy temple of God a marketplace as expressed by Jesus Christ. The temple in the Scripture also represents our bodies. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. God dwells within all of us. But, what do we do with our bodies? Do we use it to glorify God or do we use it to engage in sins? Do we persevere in chastity and purity or do we struggle with sins of lust? It's important to note that when Jesus showed His anger, it's a righteous anger, and it's not towards people. Rather, the righteous anger of God is towards the sins themselves. God loves us, and because of His love, He desires that the temple of our bodies be sacred. Jesus desires to make our souls pure and for Him alone. 

When Jesus drove the people out of the temple, it also symbolized that it's Jesus who would take away the sins in our hearts. Today, we commemorate the feast of the dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. This is the Cathedral where the Pope presides. As we commemorate this event, let's remember that the fullness of truth of Christ is found in the Catholic Church. At the same time, our Lord Jesus chooses the Church to be the instrument of His graces for our salvation, particularly through the sacraments. Through the Mass, we receive the real resurrected body of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. In the first reading, the temple is described as having water on its side. This foreshadowed the water that came from the side of Christ when He was crucified which symbolized the water of baptism. In the sacrament of confession, we receive the gift of forgiveness of all of our sins through the merits of the precious blood of Jesus Christ. We cannot separate Jesus from the Catholic Church because the Church is the mystical body of Christ. Let's offer our whole selves to God, our will, hearts and bodies, because we belong to Him, and our faith will only bear fruit through Him. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, Rome:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/november-9---feast-of-the-dedication-of-the-lateran-basilica-rome/

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/