The body of Jesus is the temple that human hands did not build.  It is the cause and the sign of the union of all God’s sons and daughters. 

Today’s gospel says that the temple that Jesus speaks of is his body.  And this is a hint that he puts an end to division and brings in union. 

For he will say later that there will no longer be worship in Zion or in Gerizim.  That is because the hour to worship the Father in Spirit and truth comes, is now here.  That is, such worship can do without both the temple in Judea and the temple in Samaria, and is for all.  Yes, it gets rid of division that gives way to union.

So, it follows that we who make up the body of Christ are to work for union in the world.  Yes, we who, with Christ and in the Spirit, are God’s building, nay, temple, his presence in the world.

No, there is no longer Jew or Greek, no slave or free, no man or woman.  For we are all one in Christ.

So, it is right that we bear in mind that “ the Church is the visible sign of the union between God and humanity.”  And that “the supreme rule in the Church is love.”  In other words, charity is above all rules (SV.EN X:478).

Hence, we do not control but serve.  We do not force our ideas on others but listen to each other.  Nor do we leave out others; rather, we let all take part.  And we admit that we do not have the whole truth.  So, together we all seek it humbly.

Also, supportive, emphatic, discreet, non-judgmental and welcoming to all, we approach others, starting from the poorest.  For, indeed, it is not enough for us to love God if our neighbor does not love him (SV.EN XII:215).

Lord Jesus, grant us who are the Church to be your body indeed and the temple of God.  We shall thus be an effective sign of the union between God and humans.  Thus also, will you use us, so that all may have life and bear fruit.  And make our love so infinitely creative that we turn into a community sent especially to the poor.  A community that is alive, since you nourish it with your word and with your body and blood.

9 November 2025
Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Eze 47, 1-2. 8-9. 12; 1 Cor 3, 9c-11. 16-17; Jn 2, 13-22