The Feast of The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 31st Week : Thursday*

*The Feast of The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica*

*Gospel : Jn 2:13-22*

*First Reading : Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12*

*The need of Driving out the,   animals and money changers from the temple area, by Using the Whip*

*1) Business in the Temple Area*

Today as we celebrate the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the Gospel speaks about the use of the temple for business

During the Passover feast, temple was being used for the business more than for prayer and to experience God 

In this context Jesus enters into the temple and drives out the the business people along with thier things 

Jesus uses the Whip which was made out of cords to drive out the animals and business people 

*2) Life is a Temple of the Holy Spirit*

St Paul says *Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit,* 1 Cor 6:19

Since our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, we need to maintain the decorum of this temple 

The temple should be the instrument to experience God and to praise God 

But at times our body may become centre of business to achieve our own selfish purpose

In such case we need to use the Whip made out of cords to drive out this business

*3) The possible Business which may take place in our life*

When a person gives His service only for money. In other words every service is charged

*Bribe* is another sophisticated way of turning our life into a business centre 

Using God given talents for money and not for service and to praise God 

Using ones profession only for money and not for service 

When the beauty of the body is used to show onself, to make money and to gain material benefits, body becomes a business centre 

*4) Things which work like a Whip of Cord*

Jesus used the whip to drive the business people and animals from temple area 

We need the following whip made out various cords  

The whip of prayer

The whip of Eucharist

The whip of Rosary

The whip of Forgiveness

The whip of sincerity

The whip of love

The whip of generosity

The whip of care 

The whip of concern 

The whip of humility 

The whip of service 

The whip of discipline

The whip of sacrifice 

The whip of trust

*5) Rededication of the Temple*

This particular feast also calls us to reflect about the rededication of the temple 

The body as the temple of the Holy Spirit need to rededicate everyday

By rededication, we become aware of the purpose of this temple and to live our life in an effective way

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*