The Temple and the Church
A Daily Catholic Reflection
Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
Readings: Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; 1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17; Jn 2:13-22
The Catholic Church has been around longer than the time period between Moses and Christ. As it stands now, it is the world's oldest and largest continuously functioning international institution. It’s older than most countries that still exist today and older than every current government. Rome fell, and the Church stood. Holy Rome fell, and the Church stood. Protestants left, and yet, to their dismay, the Church has continued.
Now, this isn’t because of competent leadership nor because of a robust defense system, we tried that, and it didn’t work out so well. The Church stands today because of where it rests. In today’s reading, Christ talks about the Temple that will be destroyed and raised in three days. I don’t blame the local Jews for misunderstanding him. On its face, it sounds like nonsense, and at worst, it sounds like rebellion. Yet, the need for the Jerusalem temple was about to become unnecessary.
The Jerusalem temple served its purpose for a time. We know this because it was destroyed two thousand years ago and has not been rebuilt. However, it could only be replaced by a more perfect and divine Temple, that of our Blessed Lord. But Christ doesn’t just stop there; in his grace and mercy, he builds multiple temples in the form of faithful disciples. You are God’s building.
When people think of the Catholic Church, they may think of large cathedrals or perhaps the pope and his cardinals. But buildings don’t make for good disciples, and popes come and go. The Church rests on the Catholic faithful, who, in turn, rest on the foundation that is there, namely, Jesus Christ.
St. Paul continues, do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?