November 9, 2024, Saturday THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA

Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12

Psalm 46

1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17

John 2:13-22

You are God’s building.  1 Cor. 3:9

Lord, what kind of a building am I for you?  From my Baptism your Holy Spirit dwells within me.  I am a temple for you in the world.  Am I a pleasant home for you?  I, along with all other believers in this world, form your church.  You promised to be with us until the end of time.  Your church is built up by the actions of each of us as you work within each of us.  In the same way, your church is wounded by the sinful actions of its members.  Each of us is diminished when the dignity and holiness of our beloved Catholic Church is damaged.  Are you as angry today as you were when you cleansed the temple long ago?  Lord, purify and strengthen your church on earth.  Heal those harmed by the abuse of some.  Bring together those who are divided by misunderstanding of your truth.  Lord, because of the presence of the Holy Spirit and the power of the Holy Eucharist our church has survived many crises in history.  We will survive this one too.  I pray we will emerge stronger and more faithful to you than ever.  Amen.