The Dedication of St John Lateran Basilica, Rome:

Many people think that St Peter's Basilica is the Pope's seat because it is so famous and majestic, but it is not so. St John Lateran Basilica in Rome is the Episcopal seat of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope, and for that reason, it is called the mother and head of all churches in the world.

This beautiful basilica has a rich history, dating back to its dedication by Pope St Sylvester on November 9, 324 AD. It is named after the Lateran family, who donated the land for its construction. The Dedication of St John Lateran Basilica reminds us that the church is not simply bricks and mortar; every church building points to something greater - the symbol of God’s presence in a community and the unity and holiness of the people of God. The Lateran Basilica stands as a visible sign of that unity under the successor of Apostle Peter, the first human head of the church.

Our first reading this weekend speaks of water flowing from the temple. The river flowing from Ezekiel's new temple serves as a powerful symbol of God's life-giving grace, healing, and the new covenant in Jesus Christ. The water, which becomes life-giving wherever it flows, transforms the Dead Sea into a freshwater source, symbolizing how the Holy Spirit and the Church bring life to a world in spiritual death. The trees with leaves for healing and fruit for food represent the life, abundance, and spiritual nourishment provided by God's grace through the new Temple, which is the body of Christ.

Catholic theology understands the "temple" in this passage to be a prophetic foreshadowing of the new and everlasting temple, which is the body of Jesus Christ, raised in His resurrection. The river from the temple is understood to be the Holy Spirit, flowing out from Christ and the Church to bring life to the world. The healing and life-giving water is often associated with the sacraments, particularly baptism, which is seen as a spiritual cleansing and rebirth from the waters of new life.

Ezekiel’s vision offers hope for a future of restoration, showing that God can heal and renew even the most desolate places and circumstances in people's lives. The imagery of the fruit trees and life-giving water serves as a reminder that the Church and the sacraments provide spiritual food and healing for those who believe. The prophecy points toward God's ultimate plan to bring new life and a transformed world, a kingdom where the barrenness of sin is replaced by the abundance of God's love and grace.

Dear friends we are called to love our parish church and use it. Our parish church is the place where we come together as a community to praise and worship God, to thank Him for His blessings, to ask pardon and forgiveness for our sins, and to offer our lives and petitions on the altar. Let us make our church an even more holy place by adding our prayers and songs to community worship and by offering our time and talents and treasure in the various ministries of our parish.

In the coming weeks, the little white church in Constance Bay will undergo some renovations, courtesy of a generous donor. As this reconstruction goes on, I invite all parishioners to take some time to visit the site and reflect on another aspect of reconstruction very important to us - spiritual renewal of our life. The beauty and dignity of our Church will shine brighter when we embark on spiritual cleansing of our soul. We are called to cultivate a heart of love reflecting God's presence in all we do. This journey requires intentionality and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones.