THE
CHURCH IS THE BODY
Oil - is used for blessing and healing
Water - symbolizes repentance
Cross - symbolizes the redeeming power
of Christ
In the Catholic Church, material objects
play an important role along with our religious practices. In the sacraments we use water, various oils,
wine, wheat, wax, fire, and plants. We also have many sacramental's, like the
rosary, medals, and relics. For all this use of material objects we also had to
learn the importance of taking care of our environment and the world in which
we live. Our natural resources are precious and deserve to be respected and
cared for. The first reading is a beautiful reflection on water, the element
that sustains all life. In the second reading St. Paul
addresses the populace of Corinth,
a city known at the time for its great numbers and variety of temples. The
Apostle uses this fact to remind the Corinthians of the sacredness of their
bodies (Cf 1 Cor 3:16 - 17).
St. John Lateran is the Pope's Cathedral
in Rome and,
thus, is the mother Church for all Catholics. As we celebrate the Feast of the
Dedication of Lateran Basilica, we remember that it is the spiritual home of
the people who are the Church - the Mystical Body of Christ.
For the rest of today's reflection,
please go to the link for the Saint of the Day and read the history of St. John
Lateran Basilica.