History of the Lateran Basilica- Nov 09 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Nov 09, 2023, on the significance of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the Pope's Cathedral, and the Mother Church.

We celebrate the dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Pope's Cathedral, symbolic of the mother and head of all churches. It embodies the ever-flowing river of graces, reminiscent of Ezekiel's vision (Ezekiel 47 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ezekiel/47 - The water flowing from the temple, bringing life wherever it goes). Built by Emperor Constantine on land seized from the Laterani family, it became a Christian symbol after Constantine's victory at the Milvian Bridge in 312, influenced by a divine message in a dream.

Post-legalization of Christianity in 313, the basilica, consecrated in 324, symbolized the faith's growth. The cathedra inside signifies the Pope's teaching authority. The Lateran complex, for a millennium the Papal residence, includes an octagonal baptistery, reflecting baptism's importance in Christianity (John 3:5 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/3?5 - One must be born of water and Spirit to enter the kingdom of God).

Significant over centuries, the Lateran hosted councils like in 649, affirming Mary's perpetual virginity, and the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215, defining 'transubstantiate' for the Eucharist. Despite damages and repairs, the basilica, rededicated to St. John the Baptist in 905, maintains its original dedication to Christ.

Today, the Lateran, despite the papacy's move to the Vatican, remains the cathedral and the most significant church, symbolizing the source of grace for all churches.

00:00 – Introduction and Significance of St. John Lateran Basilica
00:48 – Emperor Constantine's Influence and Historical Background
01:45 – Christianity's Legalization, Choosing the Place for the Basilica
02:51 – Symbolism of the Papal Cathedra and Teaching Authority
03:21 – The Baptistry: Its Significance and Association with St. Johns
04:19 – Expansion of the Lateran Complex and Its Components
05:33 – Restoration and Evolution of the Basilica Over Centuries
06:56 – Lateran's Role in Church History and the Shift to Avignon

Ave Maria!

Mass: Dedication of the Lateran Basilica (Lect Jn 2) - Feast - http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09014b.htm
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/110923.cfm
1st: eze 41:1-2, 8-9, 12
Resp: psa 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-11
Gsp: joh 2:13-22

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=2227

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