On this day of the dedication of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, we are reminded that it is Jesus, our Lord and Savior, who has given us our church built upon the rock. And this one universal church has lasted throughout the ages and will continue to do so till the end of our time.
Jesus does not only dwell in our hearts, but he has given us a sanctuary where we can congregate to worship him, worship the Holy Trinity. To not only be in his presence, but receive him body, soul, blood, and divinity. And this should make us proud to be his disciples and to be part of this Catholic Church.
Glory to you, O Lord. Amen.
First reading
2 Chronicles 5:6-10,13-6:2
The ark is brought to the Temple
King Solomon, and all the community of Israel gathering with him in front of the ark, sacrificed sheep and oxen, countless, innumerable. The priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place, in the Debir of the Temple, that is, in the Holy of Holies, under the cherubs’ wings. For there where the ark was placed the cherubs spread out their wings and sheltered the ark and its shafts. These were long enough for their ends to be seen from the Holy Place in front of the Debir, but not from outside. There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb, where the Lord had made a covenant with the Israelites when they came out of Egypt; they are still there today.
All those who played the trumpet, or who sang, united in giving praise and glory to the Lord. Lifting their voices to the sound of the trumpet and cymbal and instruments of music, they gave praise to the Lord, ‘for he is good, for his love is everlasting.’
Because of the cloud the priests could no longer perform their duties: the glory of the Lord filled the Temple of God.
Then Solomon said:
‘The Lord has chosen to dwell in the thick cloud.
Yes, I have built you a dwelling,
a place for you to live in for ever.’
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Gospel
Matthew 16:13-19
You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ Then Simon Peter spoke up, ‘You are the Christ,’ he said ‘the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.’
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