The Lateran Basilica in Rome is the mother and head of all the churches of Rome and hence holds a place of importance for us as Roman Catholics. The dedication of this Basilica is celebrated as a sign of unity of the Church of Rome and all Churches. The Pope and the Bishops are a living example of the unity of faith and, through them, we too as believers are united in the One, True, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Today’s Feast reminds us that the Church is a home rather than an institution. The Church is a community, a family. Christ forms the Church in the human community as a sign of His presence among us. It is easy to overlook this understanding of the Church and think of the Church as a huge structure which makes it impersonal.

Jesus cleansing the Temple, in today’s Gospel, is a good example for us to clear our wrong notions of the Church. The ideas of an institution should never replace the family or community aspect of the Church. Jesus restored the Temple by removing the unwanted elements from the Temple precincts.

Which part of me resists unity and needs to be cleansed by the Lord?