I WILL RAISE IT UP

PRAYER MOMENT

Monday 9 November 2015, Dedication of the Lateran

I WILL RAISE IT UP

Pause. Enter into the stillness of God within.

Reading: “Destroy this temple and in the three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:13-22)

Reflection. Each year this feast comes round and I suppose it is hard to get excited. It commemorates the building of the first cathedral in Rome after the persecution ended in the early fourth century and the Church began to enjoy freedom. Rome was the centre of the political world in Europe at the time and was rapidly becoming the centre of the Christian world. The building itself stood as a focus of unity between the bishop of Rome and all the other churches and, despite divisions, it has remained a sign of unity and communion. It carries the rich symbolism of the living stones, you and I, raised up into a new eternal building by the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Prayer. Lord, build us into the new temple of your body, a community that gives light and hope to all your people. Amen.