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by Sister Lynne Marie Simonich
"The holy dwelling of the Most High" (Psalm 46.5)
At the time of Jesus, the Temple was a most sacred place where the presence of God was revealed. This Temple was being turned into a marketplace and needed to be cleansed. Jesus did just that and swept the Temple clean.
St. Paul reminds us that we are the "temple of God -- God's building" -- where the Most High dwells! Imagine that -- WE are God's temple! As God's dwelling place, we may need to be swept clean at times. When we are not our best selves, Jesus is with us to cleanse us and renew us. Jesus is with us to empower us to reveal God's presence in words and actions of selfless love and compassion.
This weekend we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. This basilica is the oldest and ranks first among the four major basilicas of Rome. It is also the oldest church in the West. It is the "pope's church" where he presides. Since it is the cathedral of the Pope it ranks above all other churches in the Catholic Church, including St. Peter's Basilica. The first structure was built in the 4th century and remained the church where popes were consecrated until the 14th century.
As we celebrate this feast, may we remember that we are the Church, the living Temple, constantly being made new by God's love.
A good reminder that God lives in us and we have to keep both the outside physical body in good repair and the inside with love, respect for others and showing to the rest of the community God's great love for all. We sometimes try to keep hidden from others our faults but God lives within and sees them. So, we have to work at cleaning up inside for Him.
Thank you, Lynn Marie, I didn't think of Jesus being able to cleanse me His temple, too. Something for me to think about.
When I take a shower I request a cleansing of my soul as well as recommitting of self to God's purposes.