“GLORIFY GOD IN YOUR BODY” (1 COR 6:20)

“He was talking about the temple of His body.” –John 2:21

Today’s feast of the dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome is a way of acknowledging that God dwells among His people (see Jn 1:14). This feast reminds us of the beauty of God, that all beauty is a means to glorify God. A Church building is likewise a beautiful, holy house and from it flows many graces to bless the people of God.

Today’s feast is also a reminder that God dwells in our own bodies (Jn 6:56; 17:23). We are to dedicate the temple of our body to God’s service, just like the Lateran Basilica is dedicated to God’s use. We dedicate our bodies to the Lord to glorify God in them (1 Cor 6:20), so that we may be beautiful, good, holy, and true, a pleasing dwelling place consecrated to God. May each of us likewise be united to God and each other in faith, forming a holy building founded on Christ (1 Cor 3:9-11). Let God make you a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19).

PRAYER: Father, I offer my body to You to be dedicated to Your service (2 Tm 2:21; cf Rm 12:1).
PROMISE: “For the temple of God is holy, and you are that temple.” –1 Cor 3:17
PRAISE: A Latin inscription inside the Lateran Basilica in Rome, translated into English, means: “The mother and head of all churches of the city and of the world.”