Sun, 9 November ‘25
Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, Feast
Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12. 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17. John 2:13-22
We are the Temple!
Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome — the Pope. Though St. Peter’s Basilica is more famous, it is St. John Lateran that holds the title “Mother and Head of all Churches in the world.” Built by Emperor Constantine and dedicated in 324 AD, it stands not merely as a monument of stone but as a living symbol of the Church herself — a dwelling of God among His people.
1. The Temple as the Source of Life — Ezekiel 47:1–2, 8–9, 12
The prophet Ezekiel envisions water flowing from the temple — a river that brings life wherever it goes. Trees flourish, fish abound, and deserts bloom. The temple becomes the heart that pumps divine life into creation. This vision speaks of renewal: from God’s dwelling springs healing, fertility, and fruitfulness. In this feast, the image reminds us that every true temple — every church — must be a source of life. When we gather to worship, the grace that flows from the altar should renew families, neighbourhoods, and communities. The temple is not an end in itself; it is the fountainhead of new life.
2. The Temple as the Dwelling of God’s Spirit — 1 Corinthians 3:9–11, 16–17
St. Paul takes the symbol further: “You are God’s temple, and God’s Spirit dwells in you.” The dwelling of God is no longer limited to buildings of marble or gold, but to hearts of faith. Each believer is a living sanctuary. Just as Ezekiel saw life flow from the temple, so too must divine life flow from us — through our words, compassion, forgiveness, and witness. Paul reminds us that Christ is the foundation, and we build upon Him when our lives reflect His holiness. To destroy this temple — by sin, pride, or division — is to wound the very body of Christ.
3. The Temple as the Presence of Christ — John 2:13–22
In the Gospel, Jesus purifies the temple, driving out those who had turned worship into commerce. He then declares, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The evangelist tells us He was speaking of His body. With this, Jesus shifts the understanding of the temple from a place to a person. God’s presence is no longer confined to a building; it has taken flesh in Christ. He is the new temple — the meeting point between God and humanity. And through His resurrection, that temple is not destroyed but glorified.
The Meaning for Us Today
This feast, then, is not only about a building in Rome. It is about ‘us.’ We are the living stones of the Church; together we form the Body of Christ. When we honour a basilica, we are reminded of our own consecration. At baptism, we were anointed as temples of the Holy Spirit; at confirmation, strengthened as witnesses; and in the Eucharist, we are filled with divine presence.
The Lateran Basilica stands as a visible sign that God dwells among His people. But each of us must become a visible sign of His presence in the world — places where others encounter grace, peace, and mercy.
Let us, therefore, keep our inner temple pure, our hearts open, and our lives flowing with the water of life. For the true temple of God is not made by human hands — we are that temple.
“We are the temple! God dwells in us!”
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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