Fr. Sanctus Mario
Inspiration and Bible Reflections

Invite Jesus into the Temple: Feast of the Dedication of Lateran Basilica

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Breakfast with the Word: Feast of the Dedication of Lateran Basilica

John 2:13-22

 

 

 

Today the church celebrates the feast of the Dedication of Lateran Basilica which is the oldest of the major basilicas in Rome . The Basilica is often described as the head of all churches.

 

On the frontage of the Basilica, there is an inscription which reads “the mother of all churches in the world”. As we celebrate the dedication of feast of the Dedication of Lateran Basilica known as the mother of all churches and the Pope’s own Cathedral, the church reminds us to dedicate ourselves to God.

 

We are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16-17) and God’s dwelling (Ephesians 2:2). Therefore, God’s dwelling should not be toil with it.

 

We see in the gospel how Jesus wipes away those selling and buying in the temple.  And He says to the sellers to take everything out and quit using the Lord’s house as a Market House.

 

Jesus longs that God’s dwelling should be holy. We can keep the temple clean if we take everything that does not belong to God out of His house and allow Jesus in. He is going to wipe away whatever that does not give God glory.

 

 

Jesus Ushers In a New Life.

 

During the Passover feast, visitors from all over the country throng to the city of Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.

 

Many foreigners use the courtyard of the temple only accessible to non-Jews to make some transactions and change foreign currencies.

 

Because of that, Some people use it as an avenue to sell their cattle, sheep, donkey etc. Because of this eagerness to sell their goods at this great feast, many sellers even occupy the entrance of the temple and some of them move a little inside the temple.

 

Many of the people use that avenue to promote their business instead of celebrating the goodness of God for saving them out of Egypt.

 

Some of the halls were transformed into markets. So, when Jesus saw this, He reacted. What Jesus did was like a reminder that this temple is not for economic gain. His action is a reminder to the people that the temple is for spiritual enrichment.

 

 

The point is that Jesus loves us more than we think, He wants us to be holy and remain in total communion with Him, He does not want anything that will come in between. He is ready to make us new and acceptable to God but only if we allow Him to take control of our lives.

 

His actions today are saying “with my presence, old things have passed away, and new things are here”, with my presence, sin has no place in you, you must be sanctified” etc.

 

The Temple is a House of Prayer

invite jesus

Whatever we do in the house of God is to deepen our communion with Him. God intends that His house will be a house of prayer (Isaiah 56:17) where we can truly worship Him.

 

Therefore, Jesus is ushering in a new life in the life of the Jews. He is reminding them that it is no longer business as usual.

 

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Many scholars also affirm that Jesus uses this opportunity to announce His presence in the midst of all the people.

 

The Presence of Jesus.

 

His presence today ushers in a new life and reminds the people to recognize the sacredness of God’s temple.

 

Before Jesus comes to the temple, the house of God is like a market place but when Jesus enters, there is a total change, the temple is sanctified.

 

In the same vein, we have to invite Jesus into our lives. When He comes, He is going to wipe away everything that does not give the name of God glory.

 

Secondly, His presence today sanctifies the temple but angers the sellers and those who are gaining from the transaction.

 

Therefore, when we live in Jesus, His presence will make us new again but those who are gaining from the type of life we live previously will never be happy.

 

The only people who are happy that the children of God live in sin are the accuser of our brethren, the devil and his angels.

 

So, the presence of Jesus is a scourge to demons, a weapon against principalities and powers. Give Jesus full control of your life. You will definitely see a change. The feast of the Dedication of Lateran Basilica reminds us to enclose ourselves to Him.

 

Thirdly, let us use whatever God has given to us only for the glory of His name. One can be paid for the services he renders but let us not stop working for God even when the gain is not coming. Anything God has given to us is to promote Him.

 

Fourthly, Like Jesus do not fold your hands and allow evil to take its course wherever you are. You may be hated and misunderstood but that is normal. Always promote the good.

 

Finally, As we celebrate the feast of the Dedication of Lateran Basilica , Jesus reminds us to dedicate ourselves to God and present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God, holy and acceptable (Romans 12;1-2) and not to desecrate it because of what it is; the temple of God.  This temple is for God only.

 

May God through His grace, help us to live up to His expectation. May He continue to save us from sin and temptations and hence dwell always in us. Amen

 

You may read

The Gift that is Sacrificial.

 

The Three Essential Guides to a Fulfilled Life

 

To serve God, We do what We ought to do

 

The Banquet is Ready

 

The Saints: Our Hope for the Future. Feast of All Saints

 

God exalts the Humble

 

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53 Comments
  1. Rosemary Umeze says

    Amen. Thank you Father

    1. Eze Juliana Nkechi says

      Amen

  2. Chioma Frances Egwuogu says

    Amen

  3. Mbama Christiana says

    Thank you father.
    Lord let the hunger of fulfillingYour wish/will here on earth be my food. Amen

    1. Agudosi Cordelia chinyere says

      Amen

  4. Ekwem Emmanuela Chiamaka says

    Amen

  5. UCHEM AUGUSTA DABERECHI says

    Amen

  6. Gabriel-Martin says

    Amen Fr.

  7. Okonkwo onyinye says

    AMEN

  8. Jared Ogare says

    Lord come and take control of our lives and sanctify it,Amen

  9. Doris Emmanuel Ogban says

    Help me LORD to rededicate my life tas your holy temple🙏🏻

  10. Margaret Awum says

    Amen 🙏

  11. Yolanda Malebatsane says

    Amen

  12. Nwatu Nneka P says

    Amen. Thank GOD for successful completion of the NOVENA

  13. Mariajacinta Ivoke says

    Amen

  14. Chizoba Ekwueme says

    Amen and a Glorious Amen!! So help us God.

  15. Danny Hansel says

    Amen.

  16. John says

    Amen

  17. Esimekara Nnenna says

    Amen

  18. Dodoh Peter Anthony says

    Amen 🙏🙏🙏

  19. Anidiobi Sylvia Ngozi says

    Heavenly Father,dwell in me,save me from sins & temptations.I pray for grace to live up to your expectations in the mighty name of Jesus Christ Amen 🙇‍♀️🙇‍♂️🙏

  20. Mailoushi James says

    Amen, remain blessed Fr. Good morning

  21. Ndukwe Amanda says

    Amen Fr

  22. Jane chuks says

    Amen 🙌.

  23. Amalu Gloria says

    Amen

  24. Okeke Juliet Nneka says

    Amen 🙏

  25. Eririogu Fidelia says

    Amen.. Thanks father

  26. Onyinyechi Emeka-Ude says

    Amen.

  27. Regina Mobu says

    Amen

  28. Sylvia says

    Amen

  29. Nnametu chioma Michelle says

    Amen and Amen.
    Good morning Father!!

  30. Rosemary Ugonna Nwaguru says

    Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for you are the Greatest Amen

  31. Agudosi Cordelia chinyere says

    Amen

  32. Gabriel-Martin says

    Amen Fr

  33. OKAFOR OZIOMA says

    Thank you JESUS 🙏🙏🙏

  34. Jovita Okey-Oha says

    Amen and Amen

  35. Elizabeth kiio says

    AMEN

  36. Ozoro Christiana says

    Amen 🙏

  37. Uchechukwu Egbo says

    Amen 🙏

  38. Dorothy Mary Iyinbor says

    Amen thanks Padre God bless you 🙏

  39. Mbama Christiana says

    Amen

  40. Ani Chinonyelum Emmanuella says

    Amen, God bless you

  41. Chisom Egwudike says

    Amen

  42. Ugwu Josephine Nnenna. says

    Amen. Thank you Padre.

  43. Blessing Iortsugh says

    Amen and Amen

  44. Bibiana Uche Unachukwu and family says

    Amen Amen Amen

  45. Dinmah Lucy Chinyere says

    Amen

  46. Michael Uzoechiena says

    Amen Padre and God’s divine wisdom and strength.

  47. Ogochukwu says

    Amen, thank you Lord 🙏

  48. Oby Okpalaeke says

    Amen 🙏

  49. Dr Nick Onyia says

    Amen and amen 🙏🏼

  50. Ogochukwu says

    Amen

  51. NO: 78. Blessing Thompson says

    Lord Jesus, I give you full control of my life today 🙏 Amen

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