Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
Why does the whole Church celebrate the dedication of one building in Rome? The readings move from a temple with water flowing from its side to the temple of Christ's own body.
The Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome (November 9) honors the cathedral of the Pope, called the mother and head of all the churches of the city and the world. In The Mass Readings Explained, Dr. Brant Pitre walks through the readings and shows how they point beyond a building to Christ and his Church as the true temple.
Ezekiel sees life-giving water flowing from the side of the temple, bringing life wherever it goes (Ezekiel 47:1–12); St. Paul calls Christians God's building and the temple of God in whom the Spirit dwells (1 Corinthians 3:9–17); and in the Gospel, Jesus cleanses the temple and speaks of the temple of his body, to be raised in three days (John 2:13–22). Pitre draws out how the temple, the body of Christ, and the Church come together.
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 Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
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: the river flowing from the temple (Ezekiel 47); "you are God's building" and "you are the temple of God" (1 Corinthians 3); the cleansing of the temple; "the temple of his body" raised in three days (John 2:19–21).
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 church of the Pope as Bishop of Rome, called the mother and head of all churches.
Why celebrate the dedication of a church? It honors Christ present in his Church and reminds the faithful that they themselves are God's temple.
What does "the temple of his body" mean? In the Gospel, Jesus identifies the true temple with his own body, to be raised up in three days.
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I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
