Dedication of S. John Lateran (Arch Basilica of Our Savior)| Daily Meditation| Daily Quote by S. Padre Pio| Divine Mercy Reflection
Dedication of St. John Lateran
Arch Basilica of Our Savior
Both Calendars
Most Catholics think of St. Peter’s as the pope’s main church, but they are wrong. St. John Lateran is the pope’s church, the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome where the Bishop of Rome presides.
The first basilica on the site was built in the fourth century when Constantine donated land he had received from the wealthy Lateran family. That structure and its successors suffered fire, earthquake and the ravages of war, but the Lateran remained the church where popes were consecrated until the popes returned from Avignon in the 14th century to find the church and the adjoining palace in ruins.
Pope Innocent X commissioned the present structure in 1646. One of Rome’s most imposing churches, the Lateran’s towering facade is crowned with 15 colossal statues of Christ, John the Baptist, John the Evangelist and 12 doctors of the Church. Beneath its high altar rest the remains of the small wooden table on which tradition holds St. Peter himself celebrated Mass.
COMMENT:
Unlike the commemorations of other Roman churches (St. Mary Major,August 5; Sts. Peter and Paul, November 18), this anniversary is a feast. The dedication of a church is a feast for all its parishioners. In a sense, St. John Lateran is the parish church of all Catholics, because it is the pope's cathedral. This church is the spiritual home of the people who are the Church.
QUOTE:
"What was done here, as these walls were rising, is reproduced when we bring together those who believe in Christ. For, by believing they are hewn out, as it were, from mountains and forests, like stones and timber; but by catechizing, baptism and instruction they are, as it were, shaped, squared and planed by the hands of the workers and artisans. Nevertheless, they do not make a house for the Lord until they are fitted together through love" (St. Augustine, Sermon 36).
Daily Meditation
Answer God's Call:
If we answer God's call it opens the path to heaven not only for ourselves, but also provides us with many opportunities to help others discover that same heavenly road.
Quote by S. Padre Pio:
Remember that Jesus redeemed us on Calvary.
Divine Mercy Reflection
Reflections on Notebook Five: 263-326
As we begin Notebook Five, Saint Faustina’s understanding of the Mercy of God should be more alive to you. Hopefully you have a deeper understanding of the infinite love of God and His burning desire to embrace you, free you from the burden of sin, and shower you with His grace.
It should also be clear that God is silent at times so as to strengthen you, purify you and deepen your trust in Him. God’s wisdom and His ways are beyond what we could ever imagine. He is perfect in His love and you must have full confidence in the direction He gives to your life.
As we enter into this notebook, try to believe and live all that you have read so far. It’s one thing to believe it intellectually, it’s quite another thing to believe it with your actions. You must believe in the Mercy of God with your actions. You must let all that you have read take hold of you and direct the way you live. One way to do this is to go back to any reflections that have stood out so far. If something has stood out, be it a particular reflection or a general theme, pay attention to that. The Message of Mercy is broad and all encompassing, but it’s also particular to you. Let the Lord speak directly to you revealing the specific truths that you need to embrace the most.
Reflection 313: Sleepless Nights
There are some who easily fall asleep each night and remain asleep until morning. There are others who struggle greatly with sleep and this becomes a great burden and a source of discouragement. If you are one who struggles with sleep on a regular basis, or even on rare occasions, see this cross as an opportunity rather than as a burden. A sleepless night offers one particular opportunity to you. It can be seen as an invitation to spend the night with our Lord. Though it is healthy to work to deal with the cause of sleeplessness so as to remedy it, it is also good to embrace it in the moment if it happens. Even something as seemingly insignificant as this can become a source of holiness. Seek to use a sleepless night as an opportunity to pray and meditate upon the life of our Lord. One good reflection on such an occasion is to prayerfully meditate upon the night of Jesus’ arrest and imprisonment. His night that night in prison would have most certainly been one of constant prayer to His Father. Recall also that there were many nights when our Lord chose not to sleep. Scripture reveals that Jesus regularly “spent the night in prayer” (e.g., Luke 6:12). Thus, in this act, Jesus gives great power to pulling an “all-nighter” with Him in meditation and prayer. By embracing this Cross with our Lord you will see an abundance of Mercy pour forth on your life (See Diary #1515).
If this is a struggle that you face, try to look at it from a new perspective. Seek the Lord in your sleepless night and enter into communion with Him in His. Much Mercy awaits you as you seek to transform this cross into grace.
Lord, I pray that every cross I carry will be transformed by Your Mercy into an opportunity for holiness. I especially offer my nights to You, dear Lord. Whether I sleep in Your arms or remain awake in Your presence I give each and every night to You. Jesus, I trust in You.