First reading Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12
Wherever the water flows, it will bring life and health
Responsorial Psalm 45(46):2-3,5-6,8-9
The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!
God is our refuge and our strength,
an ever-present help in distress.
Therefore, we fear not, though the earth be shaken
and mountains plunge into the depths of the sea.
The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!
There is a stream whose runlets gladden the city of God,
the holy dwelling of the Most High.
God is in its midst; it shall not be disturbed;
God will help it at the break of dawn.
The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!
The Lord of hosts is with us;
our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
Come! behold the deeds of the Lord,
the astounding things he has wrought on earth.
The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!
Gospel John 2:13-22
Destroy this sanctuary and in three days I will raise it up
We are God’s dwelling place
A temple is called God’s dwelling place precisely because God’s presence is at its centre. In the gospel, money and material gains took centre stage. Therefore, Jesus drove out the sellers and money changers to restore God’s rightful place in the temple.
Today’s feast of the dedication of Rome’s Lateran Basilica points to a deeper reality that the true place where God dwells is within each person, as St Paul says, “You are God’s building… God’s temple” (cf. 1 Cor 3:9,16). In the silence of our hearts, let us realise with joy and gratitude that God is present in us, faithfully loving and accompanying us in all moments. At the same time, let us also allow Jesus to reveal what may be taking God’s central place in our lives. We humbly ask Jesus to help us remove these distractions so that we can become a more authentic dwelling place for God.
Reflective question:
What are the things that take up God’s central place in my life?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year B” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.