Every year on November 9, the Church celebrates the anniversary of the dedication of the Basilica of the Most Holy Savior and of Sts. John the Baptist and John the Evangelist in the Lateran. The Catholic Church has observed this feast since the 12th Century. The Lateran Basilica is the mother church of all Christians. It has been a place of worship since the 4th century. The building was a gift from the Emperor Constantine probably to Pope Miltiades who hosted a synod of bishops there in 313. Pope Sylvester I celebrated the official dedication of the Basilica in 324 AD when he installed the Papal Throne making it the Cathedral of the Bishop of Rome. It was home to the Popes for over a thousand years.
The Lateran Basilica is a symbol of the endurance of the Catholic Church in the world. It survived an attack by the Vandals, an earthquake and two major fires. Rebuilt after each calamity, it stands today, a magnificent tribute to our Catholic heritage. However, as St. Paul reminds us in today’s second reading from 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, we “are God’s building.” We are the church, the body of Christ. And like any good building, we must have a strong foundation. As St. Paul tells us, “Each one must be careful how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ.”
When we observe the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, we celebrate our efforts and the efforts of the whole Church to make the Kingdom of Heaven a real presence in our world. Our Parish, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, here in Peachtree City, Georgia is part of this one Church. We share in the mission of our mother church to bear witness to the risen Christ.
Father,
You called your people to be your Church.
As we gather together in your name,
May we love, honor and follow you
To eternal life in the kingdom you promise.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever.
AMEN
