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On this day, the Church remembers and celebrates the dedication of the Lateran Basilica. We may ask, what is the proper relevance and meaning of this commemoration for us today? On one level, the Church celebrates the presence of this human structure as a concrete symbol of God's dwelling place among us. Yet, on a deeper level, our participation in this celebration should remind us of a more fundamental truth that we, all of us, are living temples of God's in-dwelling. Today's readings use the rich biblical imagery of the temple to illustrate who we are as children of God and what it means. St Paul reminds us that we are God's temple with Jesus Christ as its foundation and model. What does it mean for us to be God's temple? As the prophet Ezekiel vividly describes, the temple of God is the source of a river that brings health and life wherever it flows. As Christians we are called to be God's living and life-giving temple. Our lives and our communities must be privileged and concrete places where God dwells. They must be wellsprings of life and change for society at large. Lord, help me to make my life Your life-giving temple here on earth. Amen. |
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P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
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That politicians and economists may feel it their duty to attend to the welfare of all people, giving first place to the most poverty-stricken
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This prophetic year 2000 projecting into the 3rd millennium is faced with people suffering from hunger, under-development, lack of work, abandoned old people, the sick without care and those suffering from the scourge of drugs. In front of these facts we are called to review our conduct, choices, commitment in the light of the causes which have determined them. Every Christian who is a member of a state and an economic system must take on himself specific responsibilities to overcome these negative elements which greatly disturb the harmonious development of persons and peoples and are at the root of poverty and of its increase. We cannot place ourselves in a situation of passive waiting for other people's conversion. Our personal conversion is the starting point for hope for the necessary changes of direction. It is our hearts we must change. Conversion is a grace given to those who ask the Saviour for it. We turn to the Lord, with insistent prayer, and ask that we may influence the "politicians and economists to feel it their duty to attend to the welfare of all people and especially the most poverty-stricken". | |
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