The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, November 9, 2003
Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome.

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12
Psalm 46:2-3,5-6,8-9
1 Corinthians 3:9-11,16-17
John 2:13-22

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today's four scriptures bring us various images and concepts of the word 'temple', the place where the divine meets the human. First, in Ezekiel, is the image of a temple out of which water flows, symbolizing God's nourishing grace flowing to all humanity. Today's Responsorial Psalm further reinforces this same concept.

Next, St. Paul, in light of the teachings of Christ, emphasizes the New Testament concept that 'temple' applies to every human being. In a multitude of expressions, Christ has taught us that the divinity resides within our souls. The soul is released from sin's bondage by the saving grace wrought by Baptism. With constant nourishment made possible by God's continued sanctifying grace and resolve to strive for perfection, the divine may permeate our lives and affect our actions.

Finally, today's Gospel warns us to avoid anything that may taint or pervert the grace of God within us. This is no sweeping generalization, but a summons to each of us to act according to God's loving grace in all things. In the only scriptural report of His anger, Jesus forcibly drove the money changers from the temple. So too, should we drive out any temptation that might compromise our purity, that might taint God's desire for holiness within our hearts, our souls.

- Traveler

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posted by joachim at 4:49 AM