Scripture Reading Reflection
by Fr. Andrew Kelly
THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA — NOVEMBER 9, 2014
Sometimes believers forget that a building only holds a Church. For believers, a Church is Jesus Christ’s risen body living and animating the community’s core. Therefore Jesus’ Church is located wherever and whenever a community is gathered. Think about it. Even a motel room can be transformed into a Church containing the worshiping body of Christ.
All the gathered believers need is a table, a book of Scriptures, some cheap wine and dry bread. The designated leader speaks: “We have a table and Scriptures. We have wine and bread. Now all we need are a prayerful people who believe the fullness of Jesus Christ is present.” Thus begins the motel room’s transformation into the body of Christ.
The motel room becomes the raised-up temple Christ spoke about in Sunday’s Gospel (John 2:13-22): “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” In the motel room Jesus’ 2014 disciples reflect in awe: “After Jesus was raised from the dead, Jesus’ disciples remembered that Jesus had said this; and the disciples believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.”
Amazingly miraculous how a motel room can become a Church. No flashy fancy frills needed, only faith.
(Father Andrew Kelly is a retired priest of the Diocese of Davenport.)