Dom Donald's Blog

JOHN 2:13-22
FEAST OF THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA IN ROME

----- Forwarded Message ----

From: Fr. Nivard 

Sent: Mon, 8 November, 2010 19:21:11

Subject: Lateran Basilica Mass

Jesus said, ‘Destroy this temple and in three days I will rebuild it.’

  The Churches which we inherit are neither the purchase of wealth nor the creation of genius; they are the fruits of martyrdom and come of great deeds and sufferings.

   Their foundations are laid very deep, even in the preaching of Apostles, the confession of Saints, and the first victories of the Gospel, in our land. All that is so noble, in their architecture, all that captivates the eye and makes its way to the heart, is not a human imagination, but a divine gift, a moral result, a spiritual work.

   O happy they who, in a time of sorrow, avail themselves of this bond of communion with the saints of old and with the universal Church! Happy they, who when they enter within their holy space, enter in heart, into the court of Heaven!

   

Let us pray.

   God our Father, from living stones, your chosen people, you built an eternal temple to your glory. Increase the spiritual gifts you have given to your Church, so that faithful people may continue to grow into the new and eternal Jerusalem. 

   We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  

   Amen

Bidding Prayer:               

Father, You called us to be your Church. May we love, honour and fallow you to eternal life in the kingdom you promise.  

   Through Christ our Lord.

 Prayer after Communion,

 Let us pray.

     Father, you make your Church on earth a sign of the new and eternal Jerusalem. By sharing in this sacrament may we become the temple of your presence and the home of your glory.

  Grant this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

                         

J H Newman in DGO for Feast of John Lateran, slightly modified.