Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
Why does the whole Church keep the feast of one basilica in Rome? On the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the readings move from a stone building to the true temple: Christ and his Church.
On the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the readings turn to the theme of the temple. In The Mass Readings Explained, Dr. Brant Pitre walks through these readings and shows how the dedication of the cathedral of Rome opens onto a deeper mystery—the temple that is Christ's own body, and the Church built as a living temple of God.
He examines Ezekiel's vision of life-giving water flowing from the side of the temple (Ezekiel 47); St. Paul's teaching that "you are God's building," founded on Jesus Christ, "God's temple" because his Spirit dwells in you (1 Corinthians 3); and the cleansing of the temple in John 2, where Jesus answers his opponents by speaking of "the temple of his body," to be raised in three days—drawing the water of Ezekiel toward the blood and water that flow from Christ's side.
The Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
GOSPEL, FIRST READING & PSALM TRANSCRIPT (Subscribe or Login for Full Transcript):
November 9th in the Roman calendar is the Solemnity of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. Now, this is one of those solemnities in the Roman calendar where it's such a significant day that even when it falls on a Sunday, it's going to replace that Sunday Mass readings and the Sunday Mass celebration with the particular readings for the solemnity commemorating this particular basilica.
The Readings for the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
First Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17
Gospel: John 2:13-22
Key passages & sources examined: water flowing from the threshold of the temple to heal the Dead Sea (Ezek 47; cf. Gen 2); "the city of God... God is in the midst of her" (Ps 46); "you are God's building" and "God's temple is holy" (1 Cor 3:9-17); the cleansing and "the temple of his body" (John 2:13-22; cf. John 7:37-38; 19:34); CCC 756.
What are the Mass readings for the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica? Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17; and the Gospel, John 2:13-22.
What is the Lateran Basilica? The cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, the pope—the oldest basilica in the West, honored as "Mother and Head of all the Churches in the City and the World."
What is the Gospel for this feast? John 2:13-22, the cleansing of the temple, where Jesus speaks of "the temple of his body."
How do the readings fit together? Ezekiel 47 and 1 Corinthians 3 develop the theme of the temple—water flowing from it, and the Church as God's building—fulfilled in Christ and his body.
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The Mass Explained and the Mass Readings Explained
These are even more than I’d anticipated. I learned lots of interesting stuff but better than that, I was able to participate, to be present in Mass, in a deeper way the last two weeks. Thank you so much. And I’ve also told a friend about Dr. Pitre’s work. Thanks again, Patty Brown
This is some outstanding advice for couples who are struggling in todays world and toxic culture. If you want to begin healing, find peace or just looking for advice; this is highly recommended.
The Mass Explained and the Mass Readings Explained
These are even more than I’d anticipated. I learned lots of interesting stuff but better than that, I was able to participate, to be present in Mass, in a deeper way the last two weeks. Thank you so much. And I’ve also told a friend about Dr. Pitre’s work. Thanks again, Patty Brown
