“How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord God of hosts” (Psalm 84:11)
Introduction to the Celebration
On Sunday, the Catholic Church universally celebrates the dedication of the Basilica of Our Savior, an ancient church in Rome also known as the Church of St. John Lateran. Why does the whole Church hold this day as important? What significance does this day hold for all Catholics? What does the Church building signify for us?
History of the Basilica
The Basilica of St. John Lateran was built by Emperor Constantine in the year 324. It was this emperor who ended the persecution of Christians and made Christianity the religion of the Roman Empire. The Church of St. John Lateran was built as the Cathedral Church of Rome. The Bishop of Rome is also the Pope. The Church of St. John Lateran is the Pope’s Church. The erection of St. John Lateran predates the building of St. Peter’s in Rome by about 25 years.
Originally known as the Basilica of the Most Holy Savior, it has also been called St. John due to the large baptistry close to the cathedral, honoring both St. John the Baptist and St. John the Apostle.
The Church as the Mother Church
The significance of this church for all of us lies in the fact that it is seen as the Mother Church of the Catholic Church. This church represents the unity of all Catholic Christians, reflecting the unity of faith among us and our communion with each other and the Universal Church throughout history and into the future.
The Catholic Church, with all its strengths and weaknesses, virtues and sins, is the Church founded by Christ through the Apostles.
The Church as God’s Dwelling Place
The Church is the dwelling place of God. The word “church” comes from the Anglo-Saxon word circle, meaning a gathering place. The Church is not the building; it is the people who gather within it. The Church building takes its name from us because Christ dwells in us. The building represents us sacramentally, reminding us that Christ dwells among us and within us.
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians: “You are God’s building.” He also says: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God?”
Christ’s Presence in the Church and Community
God dwells in His people—not just priests, sisters, and bishops, but all baptized members who receive the Eucharist and live out their faith. Christ dwells especially in the sacraments, scriptures, and the service we offer one another. Christ dwells in the sacraments we celebrate, especially the Holy Eucharist. Christ dwells in the scriptures we read. Christ dwells in the service we give to each other.
We encounter God in and among the church members. Church art can inspire us to pray; however, we must keep in mind that the building is holy only in the fact that it enhances our relationship with Christ only in so far as it moves us to be inspired by the gospel to live Christian lives.
Jesus’ Teaching on the True Temple
In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it up in three days.” He was referring to the temple of His body, and, as His body, we are the living Church. For us, the holy place is a holy person.
Conclusion
“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord God of Hosts.” Christ is the dwelling place of God. He dwells deeply within us. We are the lovely dwelling place of God.
Msgr. Guy A. Masssie
November 9, 2025
Sunday Readings