Living Temples

The feast of The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome is a twofold opportunity for Catholics to explore their universal catholicity represented by the "mother church" in Rome. The readings for the feast tie Ezekiel’s image of the living waters that flow from the temple of God to Paul’s reminder to the Corinthians that they are indeed God’s co- workers, God’s fields, God’s buildings. In the Gospel, Jesus cleanses the Temple of those who would cheapen it.

READINGS

Wisdom 2:12,17-20
Psalm 54
James 3:16-4:3
Mark 9:30-37

REFLECTIONS

The feast of The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome is a twofold opportunity for Catholics to explore their universal catholicity represented by the "mother church" in Rome. The readings for the feast tie Ezekiel’s image of the living waters that flow from the temple of God to Paul’s reminder to the Corinthians that they are indeed God’s co- workers, God’s fields, God’s buildings. In the Gospel, Jesus cleanses the Temple of those who would cheapen it.

The CELEBRATING THE LECTIONARY curriculum explores the relationships that the feast implies. All levels tie a brief history of the Basilica with the deeper implications of the Christian call to be God’s temples. The following is excerpted from the Primary level of this curriculum for Nov. 9, 1997:

This week we celebrate the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. That is a very different kind of Sunday celebration for us. Maybe if we look at a short history of how Christians have worshiped since Jesus’ time, you will understand this feast a little better. (Invite the group to act out the history by following the directions [in italics] that you will give them.)

1. The very first Christians met in people’s homes * often after they had come from their Sabbath services at the synagogues. The person with the biggest house might offer to let people meet there. Often they had a meal together and sang hymns and said prayers. (Everyone joins hands in a circle. Then sit down as though sitting around a big table. Pretend to eat. Then they fold their hands and bow their heads as though saying a prayer.)

2. Later, they weren’t welcome in the synagogues. It wasn’t safe to be a Christian. The Roman authorities put Christians in jail. Sometimes they were tortured or even killed. (One person is led away with hands behind his or her back, head bowed. The rest of the group crouch low as though they are trying to hide.)

3. In Rome, Christians began to meet in secret underground tombs with long passageways connecting them. These were called catacombs. (Group forms a line, single file, and tiptoes quietly, forms a circle and sits down, huddled close together.)

4. When the Roman Emperor Constantine became a Christian in the fourth century, the persecutions stopped and Christians no longer had to hide. (People come out of "hiding" and stand with arms raised up high.)

5. Christians began to build places to meet, called churches. (People pretend to stack bricks or stones on top of each other.)

6. The Emperor Constantine gave a large palace called the Lateran Palace to the church. He built a large meeting place called a Basilica. It was a beautiful building! (Group forms two lines facing each other, arms raised above their heads to form an arch.)

7. This week we remember the Lateran Basilica in Rome where people still worship today. It is known as the "mother church" for all Catholics in the world. It is the home church of the pope. So because of that it is a little like our home church, too. The pope has a group of men all over the world who help him minister to Catholics. These men are called bishops. Every bishop has a special church that is the home church for the group of Catholics to whom he ministers. Our bishop is (add name of your bishop/archbishop). And our special church/cathedral is called (give name and any information you have about your cathedral. Keep it very simple.)

8. But each one of us is God’s Holy Temple. When we were baptized we received God’s Spirit in a special way. We are most like God’s Temple when we do God’s will and walk in God’s way. (Each person forms an arch above his or her head by raising arms and clasping hands together.)

9. Together we are living Temples of God’s Spirit. (Whole group joins hands in a circle. Then continue:)

• I wonder how it felt to have to meet secretly.

• I wonder how it felt when people could meet together again without being afraid.

• I wonder how Christians felt when they worshiped in the Lateran Basilica.

• What do you wonder about the story?

(Read aloud 1 Corinthians 3:16. Write on newsprint the words: YOU ARE GOD’S TEMPLE.)

• What do you think this means?

• What are some ways we might show that God’s Spirit is alive in us?

(Read aloud 1 Corinthians 3:17. Write on newsprint the words: TOGETHER YOU ARE GOD’S HOLY TEMPLE.)

• What are some of the things our parish does together to help care for each other or for God’s world?

• Do you or your family participate in any of these activities? Do you pray for our church? That is also a wonderful way to be supportive.

• How are we here together "God’s Holy Temple" in our parish?

• At one time people thought God actually lived in the Temple in Jerusalem. Do you think God lives in a building? What is Paul trying to say in his letter to the Corinthian church about where God’s Spirit really lives?

(The session then concludes with a variety of integrating options, followed by a closing prayer.)