DAILY- HOMILY

November 9, 2015 MONDAY, 32ND Week in Ordinary Time  

DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA IN ROME

Feast, White   

Ez 47:1 -2, 8 – 9, 12 / 1 Cor 3:9c - 11, 16 - 17 / Jn 2:13 - 22 

[Built during the reign of Emperor Constantine and consecrated by St. Pope Sylvester I, the Lateran Basilica is the Cathedral of the Bishop of Rome.]

First Reading: Ez 47:1 -2, 8 – 9, 12

     The man brought me back to the entrance of the Temple and I saw water coming out from the threshold of the Temple and flowing eastwards. The Temple faced the east and the water flowed from the south side of the Temple, from the south side of the altar. He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing the east and there I saw the stream coming from the south side.

     He said to me, "This water goes to the east, down to the Arabah, and when it flows into the sea of foul-smelling water, the water will become wholesome. Wherever the river flows, swarms of creatures will live in it; fish will be plentiful and the sea water will become fresh. Wherever it flows, life will abound. 

     Near the river on both banks there will be all kinds of fruit trees with foliage that will not wither and fruit that will never fail; each month they will bear a fresh crop because the water comes from the Temple. The fruit will be good to eat and the leaves will be used for healing.

Second Reading: 1 Cor 3:9c - 11, 16 - 17

     We are fellow-workers with God, but you are God's field and building.

     I, as a good architect, according to the capacity given to me, I laid the foundation, and another is to build upon it. Each one must be careful how to build upon it. No one can lay a foundation other than the one which is already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 

     Do you not know that you are God's temple, and that God's Spirit abides within you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him. God's temple is holy, and you are this temple.

Gospel: Jn 2:13 - 22

     As the Passover of the Jews was at hand, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the Temple court he found merchants selling oxen, sheep and doves, and moneychangers seated at their tables.  Making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the Temple court, together with the oxen and sheep. He knocked over the tables of the money changers, scattering the coins, and ordered the people selling doves, "Take all this away, and stop turning my Father's house into a marketplace!"

     The Jews then questioned Jesus, "Where are the miraculous signs which give you the right to do this?" And Jesus said, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews then replied, "The building of this temple has already taken forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?"

     Actually, Jesus was referring to the temple of his body. Only when he had risen from the dead did his disciples remember these words; then they believed both the Scripture and the words Jesus had spoken.

Reflection:

     Today's readings focus on temples as the house of God, as the place where God dwells, where good things happen as a result of God's work, and therefore must be revered, preserved and protected.

     The first reading talks about waters that flowed from the temple, which made water fresh, allowing creatures to live and bringing life to trees and its surroundings.

     St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians says that man as a temple of the Holy Spirit must be reverenced, preserved and protected.

     The Gospel reading shows Jesus driving away the merchants and all who were making his Father's Temple, a marketplace and a den of thieves.   

     When his authority to cleanse the Temple is questioned, Jesus speaks of destruction of his Body, which will be raised up in three days, prophesying about his own death and resurrection. 

     We are all temples of the Holy Spirit, to be reverenced, preserved, and protected. Following our risen Lord, we too hope to share in his resurrection and glory.  

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     LORENZO PANGANIBAN

PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION

     SALVADOR NOCOMORA

IN MEMORIAM (+)

     HELEN C. ONG

OTHER INTENTIONS:

For the intentions of LJ Koh

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most. 

Have a good day!

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