9 November 2018
Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
One summer, I had the pleasure of studying in Paris, and was able to go to many of the great churches and cathedrals in and around the city. It is hard not to be amazed by these great feats of engineering and architecture—to see the intricate doorways, the vaulting ceilings, the intricate windows and not be filled with a sense of wonder. Truly great edifices dedicated whose beauty is dedicated to God. Likewise, I loved imagining all the history that must have happened in those places. These temples of God are places of beauty, and places of history—all pointing towards God. As we celebrate the dedication of the Lateran Basilica, we celebrate the Cathedral of Rome. Likewisea place of beauty and history that points to God, with vaulting ceilings and a story that goes back centuries.
Yet as great as that church is, the beauty should not remain external. Paul tells the Corinthians that “you are God’s building” (1 Cor. 3:9). We celebrate a particular building today, but as we do, we should think about how what is true of this great temple (and all the great temples we encounter in our lives) can be true of us. How can our souls be places of great beauty, with vaulting ceilings that point others towards God? How can our souls be places of great history, with wonderful stories of saints and holiness? As we celebrate the dedication of a great temple with great architecture, we may likewise think of the architecture of our souls.