Gospel Jn 2:13-22
Since the Passover of the Jews was near, 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." His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me. At this the Jews answered and said to him, "What sign can you show us for doing this?" Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews said, "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?" But he was speaking about the temple of his Body. Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken.
Reflection
Zeal for your house will consume me. This Gospel reading has two key "Ah-ha" moments for the disciples. For them to be in the midst of what was going on, and realizing or recalling the words of Scripture from Psalm 69:9 "for zeal for your house consumes me", what a beautiful confirmation for them. Then at the end of this reading when they remembered that Jesus had said "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up." Another amazing moment for the disciples. However, these moments are not just for the disciples, they are also for us.
In reflecting on the readings for today, I can see how the reading from 1 Corinthians and the Gospel of John gives us some insight into the love of Jesus for all of us. How we are all temples of the Holy Spirit. Saint Paul, in the second reading writes, that we are God's building. We are the temple of God and have His Spirit dwelling within each of us. Do we actually take time to realize this amazing truth?
In November of 2016, Father Michael would lead Liturgy of the Hours with us. He would give teachings on the readings and lead spiritual exercises. The readings from then are the same for us today. Here is a video of the teaching and spiritual exercises. Father Michael really brings to life how we are the second most important reality. Second to the Most Holy Eucharist.
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. What is the Lateran Basilica and why is it so important that it gets a Feast day?
Many people think that the Pope's main church is St. Peter's Basilica, but that is not true. The Lateran Basilica in Rome has been the Pope's primary church since around 324. The Lateran Basilica was mostly rebuilt in 1586. The Feast day for the Basilica was introduced in the 12th century and only celebrated in Rome, however Pope Benedict the XIII is the one who ordered that this Feast be celebrated by all Catholics around the world as a sign of unity. The intent of this Feast day is to encourage all Catholics to remember our past and all the followers of Christ that endured suffering and persecutions. The Lateran Basilica is also our church, as we are united with the whole world in this Catholic celebration.
댓글