Father Michael's Thoughts This Week

WEEKLY THOUGHTS 32nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

NOVEMBER 9, 2025

Dear Friends, 

This weekend, Our Mother Church invites its children to celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica that falls on a Sunday. This Church is honored as the episcopal seat of the Pope – Bishop of Rome; mother and head of all churches. Dedication takes priority over the Day of the Lord.

The Readings given for our mediation point at the source of life and salvation. Ezekiel speaks of the life-giving water at the temple that flowed from the right side of the temple and gave life to the fish, creatures, plants and animals.

In the Second Reading 1 Cor 3:9-11, 16-17 Paul reminds the people of Corinth of their faith-based foundation- Jesus Christ- that must stand for ever. “Do you know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit dwells in you?”

In the Vatican II Document, Lumen Gentium the Church is defined as the Mystical Body of Christ. This image fits very well with Paul’s teaching on the Spiritual aspect of the Church founded on Christ as its firm foundation and each person or believer matters to the Body of Christ.

In the Gospel of John 2:13-22 Jesus confronts and drives out the people who had Turned the temple into a marketplace instead of being a house of prayer. This event occurred close to Passover. Possibly Jesus had followed up on the evil and corrupt business practice at the temple. Selling cattle, sheep, doves and a selection of animals in exchange for money were permitted by the high priest. When Jesus forced them out, they challenged his authority with a sign. Jesus promised them; “destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days.” 

The temple had taken 46 years to build. Jesus was speaking of his Body- condemned to die on the cross. The disciples recalled this at the resurrection and saw in Jesus the fulfillment of Scripture.

For us celebrating the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, let us emulate Paul’s exultation. “so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching, if one exhorts, in exhortation, if one contributes, in generosity, if one is over others , with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:5-8)

Have a great week and God bless.