“Today’s feast [of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome] celebrates a mystery that is always relevant: God’s desire to build a spiritual temple in the world, a community that worships him in spirit and truth.
Saturday, November 9, 2019
We are a joyful community of disciples proclaiming the Good News and inviting all people to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.
Building the Body of Christ
"Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" - 1 Cor. 3:16
“Today’s feast [of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome] celebrates a mystery that is always relevant: God’s desire to build a spiritual temple in the world, a community that worships him in spirit and truth. But this observance also reminds us of the importance of the material buildings in which the community gathers to celebrate the praises of God.” (Benedict XVI, November 9, 2008)
Just as we have the duty individually and as communities of faith, to care for our sacred buildings, these stones also symbolize the special care we must give to building Christian community. Here are a few questions I am pondering as I reflect on this Gospel and special Feast:
How are we caring for the People of God temporally, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually? Are we giving our time, talent and treasure to growing as disciples and in creating missionary disciples? Are we accompanying our parishioners to live as a community of many small communities and therefore, focusing on building relationships so that no one will be unnoticed, unheard and unloved? How are we partnering with parents to build strong domestic churches? Are we advocating for all people who live within our parish boundaries and for those who are far away? Are we reflecting on how we can strengthen our own faith and taking the necessary action to grow and make change for good? What do we need to add to our tool box to firm up the structure of our faith?
The foundation of our Church is Jesus Christ and this structure, this community, this body, has many parts. When we courageously live to be the people we were created us to be, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we build strong communities of faith.
What is one item or action I need to add to my spiritual tool box this week to help me to be the Church in the world?
Loving God, help us to build our Church to be a place where you dwell within our community and live through our actions!
Just as we have the duty individually and as communities of faith, to care for our sacred buildings, these stones also symbolize the special care we must give to building Christian community. Here are a few questions I am pondering as I reflect on this Gospel and special Feast:
How are we caring for the People of God temporally, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually? Are we giving our time, talent and treasure to growing as disciples and in creating missionary disciples? Are we accompanying our parishioners to live as a community of many small communities and therefore, focusing on building relationships so that no one will be unnoticed, unheard and unloved? How are we partnering with parents to build strong domestic churches? Are we advocating for all people who live within our parish boundaries and for those who are far away? Are we reflecting on how we can strengthen our own faith and taking the necessary action to grow and make change for good? What do we need to add to our tool box to firm up the structure of our faith?
The foundation of our Church is Jesus Christ and this structure, this community, this body, has many parts. When we courageously live to be the people we were created us to be, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we build strong communities of faith.
What is one item or action I need to add to my spiritual tool box this week to help me to be the Church in the world?
Loving God, help us to build our Church to be a place where you dwell within our community and live through our actions!
Reflection by:
Diane Kledzik is in her 22nd year at the Diocese of St. Petersburg Pastoral Center, currently serving as the Director for Marriage and Family Life. Her prior ministry work consists of serving as the Diocesan Leader for Evangelization for 20 years and in Youth Ministry on the parish and diocesan levels. Diane holds a Certificate in Youth Ministry and an Advanced Studies in Ministry Certificate from the Center for Ministry Development and received an MA in Pastoral Ministry from St. Thomas University in Miami, FL. She serves her parish of St. Patrick in Largo as a catechist on the Infant Baptism Team and is a member of the Youth Ministry Core Team.
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