Scripture Reflection, November 9, 2025, The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17 John 2:13-22

Today we celebrate the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the Pope’s church, the cathedral church of Rome. An unusual feast day. You may notice each of the readings talks about a building.

“Surely, the church doesn’t ask us to reflect on brick and mortar today,” you say. And you would be right. Rather, pay close attention to the presence of the Divine in each structure under consideration. Note especially in the letter of Paul to the Corinthians. "You are a temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in you.”

If you are conversant with Catholic Social Teaching you will recognize the very first principle: The Life and Dignity of the Human Person. It states that all people are sacred, made in the image and likeness of God.

Nobody served that teaching better than Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini whose feast day is November 13. Born in Italy in 1887, she immigrated to America where she established 67 schools, orphanages and other institutions to serve Italian immigrants. She became a naturalized citizen and after her death was canonized as the first American saint and the patron saint of immigrants.

Inspired by her life and in response to our current situation, the American bishops have offered the following pledge:

I pledge:

To affirm, in word and deed, the inherent dignity of every person, regardless of immigration status or country of origin, seeing each as a child of God before all else.

To engage with Scripture and the Church’s social teaching, reflecting on the role of migration in salvation history, the history of the United States, and the history of my own family.

To listen and learn about the circumstances facing migrants and refugees, including those in my community, with an open heart and mind.

To seek opportunities for encounter, so as to grow in deeper understanding and communion that leads to an authentic solidarity with those in need.

To consider what it means to be a good neighbor and how I am called to reflect the love and hope of Christ to others.

To encourage civic dialogue that places the human person and the sanctity of families at the center of policymaking, especially toward the end of meaningful immigration reform.

To join with Pope Leo in praying for all migrants and refugees as fellow travelers on the journey to our true homeland.

(www.usccb.org/ cabrini pledge)

Amen, Pat Schnee, OPA