How Firm A Foundation

9 Nov

You are God’s building.
According to the grace of God given to me,
like a wise master builder I laid a foundation,
and another is building upon it.
But each one must be careful how he builds upon it,
for no one can lay a foundation other than the one
that is there, namely,
Jesus Christ.  (1 Cor 3:9c-11)

Today is the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. One might ask why we have a feast for the dedication of a building?

St. John Lateran is the Pope’s church.  Many people mistakenly think that St. Peter’s is the “Pope’s church.”  However, St. John Lateran is the cathedral church of the Diocese of Rome.  And, since the Pope is the head of the universal Church, St. John Lateran is our cathedral church as well.

Additionally, today is the 76th birthday of Bishop Dale J. Melczek. Please keep him in your prayers. May God bless him richly this day as he continues to serve the people of the Diocese of Gary. We thank God for the gift that he has been for our diocese and ask God’s blessings upon him as he looks ahead to the next stage of his life.

As important as any building may be, this feast reminds us of the crucial reality that you and I are “Church” as well.  We are the living stones upon which the Church of Christ is built. As living stones, we must be planted firmly upon Jesus Christ, our foundation and our cornerstone. May God’s grace and love be upon us this day!

FAITH ACTION: Pray for the bishop of the Universal Church, Pope Francis, that God continue to bless him as he guides Christ’s Church here on earth.

Lord, source of eternal life and truth,
give to Your shepherd, Pope Francis,
a spirit of courage and right judgement,
a spirit of knowledge and love.
By governing with fidelity those
entrusted to his care may he, as
successor to the apostle Peter
and vicar of Christ, build Your church
into a sacrament of unity, love, and
peace for all the world.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus
Christ, Your Son, Who lives and
reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.