9 Nov
Thu
The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Ex. 47:1-2,8-9,12 or 1 Cor. 3:9-11,16-17
Ps. 45:2-3,5-6,8-9
Jn. 2:13-22
(Ps. Wk. III)
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Today's readings seem to be about erecting boundaries: foundations, buildings and temples. Church walls do not make one a Christian. Nonetheless, walls, borders and lines delimit sacred space from the profane. "Sacred" is holy or divinef profane refers to the secular, human, and ordinary. A church is a sacred space set apart (consecrated) for its members to gather to worship God in spirit and in truth. They are united as God's family through their sacred actions, prayers, and rituals. As God dwells in this house of prayer, Jesus' righteous anger was directed at the money changers who desecrated the temple by their spiritual worldliness. A church structurally embodies supernatural mysteries - a visible sign of the invisible Church made up of all the baptised as 'living and chosen stones' built on the foundation of Christ, the cornerstone.

The Lateran Basilica, called "mother and head of all the churches of the city and the world," is the Pope's Cathedral, where his cathedra, the chair symbolic of his teaching authority, rests. We commemorate this feast because we can freely come together in communion with the Pope and bishops to celebrate the liturgy of the Church and receive Her teachings.We are 'God's buildings' because the Holy Spirit dwells in us, so we must keep our bodies and souls pure and clean, worthy of His spiritual indwelling. Every time we receive Holy Communion, we pray for the grace to be more solid living stones conformed to Christ living within us.


Lord, grant us the grace to render You due homage; Your presence burns brightly in the Tabernacle.



DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
We pray for the Holy Father, as he fulfills his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Elaboration

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