💖 HOMILY - NOVEMBER 9 💖

FEAST OF THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA

First Reading - Ezekiel 47:1-12

Gospel - John 2:13-22

All religious groups have their temples or places of worship, symbols of faith and sacredness. Temples hold a central place in religious identity, yet the readings today invite us to look beyond these physical structures and recognize the temple that is Jesus Christ Himself, who brings life, hope, and true worship to humanity.

In the first reading, the prophet Ezekiel presents a powerful vision to the Israelites in exile—a vision of hope and renewal. He describes a river flowing from the temple, bringing life wherever it goes. Trees along its banks flourish, and even the Dead Sea, a symbol of barrenness, is transformed into a source of life. This river signifies God’s life-giving presence, offering hope to the people in their suffering and encouraging them to remain steadfast. Through this image, Ezekiel shows that God alone is the ultimate source of life and hope. Just as the river renews the land, God’s presence brings renewal, even in the most desolate of places.

In the Gospel, we see Jesus confronting a different view of the temple. He enters and finds it turned into a marketplace, where commercial interests have overshadowed its sacred purpose. This exploitation affects the poor and pilgrims who come to offer sacrifices. Jesus’ act of overturning the tables of money changers and vendors is not merely about cleansing a physical space; it is a call to authentic worship, free from exploitation and selfish gain. Jesus reminds us that worship focused on profit and exploitation is empty, far removed from what God desires. He demands a transformation of the heart, where worship is not about transactions but about true communion with God.

Dear friends, the temple of God is meant to be a sacred place, nourishing our spirits and filling us with God’s presence. Ezekiel’s vision of the temple as a source of life and Jesus’ declaration that He Himself is the temple reinforce this truth: Jesus is our source of life, hope, and renewal. Through His presence in the Church, the Sacraments, and Sacred Scriptures, Jesus continues to offer us this life.

By cleansing the temple, Jesus calls us to a pure form of worship—one that avoids any form of commercialization or exploitation, especially of the vulnerable. Our worship should be focused on God, fostering unity and love among all people.

Today, as we celebrate the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, we are reminded of our unity in Christ through the Holy Father. The Lateran Basilica, the Pope’s cathedral, is a powerful symbol of this unity and of the universal Church. It stands as a reminder that we are one body in Christ, transcending all barriers and embracing the dignity of every person.

May this feast inspire us to deepen our commitment to Christ, the true temple, and to seek His life-giving presence in our lives, so we may worship God in spirit and in truth.