Word to the Wise
Sunday, November 9, 2014 - Nov. 9 - The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
[Ezek 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; 1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17; John 2:13-22,742]"You are God's building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, Jesus Christ." [1 Corinthians]
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9 THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA
Years ago, when I established the novitiate for our Dominican province in San Antonio, TX, it was located next door to a historic mission church built in 1755, One day, when having lunch with a Dominican confrere who is from near the historical city of Avila, Spain, I commented on how old the mission church was. He looked at me and said, "Hmph...it's not very old!" The Lateran Basilica was dedicated November 9, 324! I think I can say with confidence that is one very old church!
It is also a very important church, which explains why its dedication anniversary can replace a Sunday scripture! The Lateran Basilica is the official cathedral of the Bishop of Rome (not St. Peter's which is more familiar). It has survived several earthquakes and lootings and twenty-five former popes are buried in it. The fuss caused in this country by the closing of some old churches is testimony to the importance that such buildings can have. So, the Basilica of St. John Lateran gets a special feast day!
That being said, St. Paul's words quoted above remind us that the real church is a human thing! All church buildings get their meaning from the people who gather there to worship. A closed or abandoned church, no matter how old, is a sad thing to contemplate. The Lateran Basilica has managed to keep a congregation along with the pope for a long time. Today's feast is just a reminder of the bigger church which includes you and me! AMEN