Wednesday, November 9, 2005

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

And [Jesus] said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up (Psalm 69:9).
—John 2:16–17

A Catholic church is first a temple and second a synagogue. Otherwise it would be first a meeting place and second the house of God. The church sign that says, “The Worshipping Community of ... Welcomes You”, should rather say, “Here Is God”.