November 8-9, 2008
Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
Ezekiel 47:1-12 First Corinthians 3:9-17 John 2:13-22
It might seem odd that we are honoring a building this weekend…but physical structures can be eloquent testimony to lofty ideas and non-tangible realties. Following the terrorist attacks of 2001, the image of the Statue of Liberty standing tall amidst the drifting smoke of the fallen World Trade Center was a poignant reminder of our national resolve. The massive wall of Hoover Dam or the fanciful leap of the Golden Gate Bridge speak to strength and willingness to overcome challenges. The solitary figure of the 16th President sitting in the Lincoln Memorial is a temple to charity, fortitude and sacrifice for the sake of unity. The Lateran Basilica is the CATHEDRAL CHURCH of Rome….while St. Peter’s in the Vatican is important…..The Lateran Cathedral is the Episcopal Seat of the Pope as Bishop of Rome and is considered the ‘mother and head of all churches of Rome and the world’ (omnium ecclesiarium Urbis et Orbis mater et caput.) Dedicated in 324, it is silent testimony to the unity of our universal Church. Many different Diocese, assorted Bishops, priests and religious….ONE FAITH. Within this one faith there are varieties of manners in which our Roman Catholic faith is lived and celebrated. The music accompanying Mass in Africa is different from the music at a Mass in Central America and is most certainly different from the music celebrated in the suburbs of Orange County. Each parish, each Diocese, reflects the unique composition of the people residing within its boundaries. While some insist on puritanical adherence to the crossing of every ‘t’ and the dotting of every ‘i’ the unity represented by today’s celebration transcends minor deviations or pastoral quirks; the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the same Eucharistic celebration globally, we proclaim the same Gospel and call people to relationship with Father, Son and Holy Spirit. While we honor a building….the building is a but metaphor for our all of our hopes, despairs, aspirations, successes and defeats….and the awareness that we live these experiences in union with each other…and in union with our God who has promised to be with us always….everywhere and always, no matter where we go or where we wander…God is with us.
Thank you for sharing this weekend with our Corpus Christi Catholic-Christian Community as we join with the rest of the Universal Church in celebration of all that unifies us. We collectively breathe a sigh of relief that this election cycle has come to a close and we now join together as Americans to support our new President and elected officials. In the spirit of national unity: congratulations President-elect Barack Obama and vice-president –elect Joe Biden, and God Bless Senator John McCain and Governor Sara Palin for their full-hearted embrace of America! Please take a Bulletin home with you, lots of events big and small on the horizon. Last call for our final ‘Women’s Leadership Dinner’ on the 18th….flyers are on the Concierge Shelves. Of particular delight is our upcoming Parish thanksgiving Dinner on Monday, November 24th. Sign-up boards for people to adopt and cook a turkey are outside, as well as sign-up boards for all the necessary ways I which you can bring a side dish, dessert or food item to the feast. This is a HUGE and wonderful evening…and you are ALL invited….(and did we mention that it is FREE!!) BUT….there are things that are just as nifty as Thanksgiving coming up…so, take your Bulletin…and remember, now hat the votes have been counted and the election is concluded….you are loved. FKB
