Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica ... A memorial to religious freedom for Christians ...

... and a reminder that each of the baptized are the Temple of God.

Behold God's dwelling with the human race!

The Edict of Milan (313) secured religious freedom and legal recognition of Christians. By imperial edicts, Constantine restored Christians' property and strengthened the Church hierarchy. He donated his personal property, received in dowry from his wife, for the first papal cathedral and residence in Christian history. So begins the story of St. John Lateran. - Read more here.

The readings for Today are beautiful ...

Responsorial Psalm

R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!

God is our refuge and our strength,
an ever-present help in distress.
Therefore, we fear not, though the earth be shaken
and mountains plunge into the depths of the sea.

R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!

There is a stream whose runlets gladden the city of God,
the holy dwelling of the Most High.
God is in its midst; it shall not be disturbed;
God will help it at the break of dawn.

R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!

The LORD of hosts is with us;
our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
Come! behold the deeds of the LORD,
the astounding things he has wrought on earth.

R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!

Do you not know that you are the temple of God,

and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

If anyone destroys God’s temple,

God will destroy that person;

for the temple of God, which you are, is holy.

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God is in its midst; it shall not be disturbed;

God will help it at the break of dawn.