Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12 | Psalm 45(46):2-3,5-6,8-9 | 1 Corinthians 3:9-11,16-17 | John 2:13-22
Words fail me, on this feast of the mother church of Mother Church.
In all my contemplation of today’s scripture, one hymn kept running through my head, drowning out everything else and overwhelming my senses. This hymn speaks of our unity as one living church, for God, built on Christ, powered by the Spirit.
I think, brothers and sisters, that you already know which one it is. I can do naught but give in to it.
We form one Church, one Christian folk
Redeemed by God’s own Son
Refreshed by clear and saving streams
We share in graces won
We break the Bread of heaven
To feed us on our way
We take the cup that brings us life
To celebrate His dayWe know the kindness of His love
We know His will to save
We know He’s won the victory
O’er sin and o’er the grave
To each of us is given
The fullness of His grace
To live in joy a life of love
Until we see His faceOur hope is strong in Jesus Christ
Our faith is in His name
We know he seeks the sinful one
For that is why He came
He cares for those who suffer
He loves both young and old
A man of sorrows, risen now
As He Himself foretold
Amen.
P.S. Strangely, I couldn’t find a YouTube video of this hymn, but a little digging revealed its surprising melodic underpinnings: