9 November 2019
Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
The dedication of a church may not seem cause for global celebration. But the basilica that sits upon the Caelian hill in Rome is rather distinct among other churches. It’s dedication, which we celebrate today, was done by Pope St. Silvester shortly after the basilica had been donated by the Emperor Constantine in 313. That act of donation was a step towards reconciliation between the leader of a state government which had time and again deprived Christians of not only property, but their very lives. It was one of the first marks of the end of imperial persecution of Christianity, and since the time of its dedication has served as the cathedral for the bishop of Rome. As such, it is a Church from which the public outreach of Christianity could begin in civil freedom.
Considering its beginnings as a sign of reconciliation, this basilica’s dedication serves as a cause for hope in Christians everywhere. From the efforts of the apostles whose lives were given in witness in Rome Christianity spread more and more from that once imperial capital. Considering the first reading, we see that God’s Church as a Temple from which the waters of grace flow. Even in spite of countless efforts to stem that tide, the waters have continued to flow out, even to all the earth. Where are the baptized to be found? Where is the Eucharist offered? The Church is to be found to be a source now of unity for people of every nation and tongue. It began in the midst of persecution with the apostles, and it continued with efforts at reconciliation with the Basilica of the Savior (now commonly called after St. John) on the Lateran hill. The celebration of that dedication and the hope we have now is found in the foundation of both: Christ! The Lord who loved us into being, holds us, the whole Church, in His Love now. He still seeks to share that love with all, and invites us to be stewards of that love in our own life.