Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
“But he was speaking about the temple of his Body.”
Today’s celebration commemorates the dedication of the cathedral of the pope, St. John Lateran. In her preface, the Church prays:
“For in your benevolence you are pleased to dwell in this house of prayer in order to perfect us as the temple of the Holy Spirit, supported by the perpetual help of your grace and resplendent with the glory of a life acceptable to you.”
This “life acceptable to you” is a life corresponding to God’s gifts to us, beginning with our very existence. These are unique gifts and graces. They have a specific time and place on this earth, the time of our journey toward eternity.
The glory with which such graces are resplendent comes from the unique interplay between God’s action and our free acceptance of his action as redeeming and transforming. It is for his glory and for our joy, here and in the life to come.
This action, carried on by the Holy Spirit in us, builds Christ’s Body, the Church. Our task is to pay attention. When participate and leave church, we make an effort to be mindful and grateful for what is happening.
Something Sr. Wendy Beckett wrote is relevant:
“Everything in your life he has designed to free you of self and expand your heart to enter into his limit¬less Love. The things that seem most to be an obstacle to this are usually what most deeply frees and opens out—if we surrender deeply enough…”
Reflection by Fr. Xavier Nacke, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections