Readings for Sunday, November 9 — Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

Ezekiel 41: 1-2, 8-9, 12; Psalm 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9; 1 Corinthians 3: 9C-11, 16-17; John 2: 13-22

Suggested Reflection Questions:

• In the first reading and the psalm, we find a lot of water imagery. Have someone read the first reading again, and this time, close your eyes and envision yourself in the reading. Why do you think the angel showed those sights to you? What do you think the vision symbolizes? What do we know about the nature of water that can serve as a metaphor for God and faith?

• In the second reading, two words stick out: foundation and temple. Is Jesus the foundation of your life? Think of a time when He was or was not. How did you know? How can we search for the meaning of this question more deeply through prayer? Also, do you consider yourself a temple of God? What are some actions that you do in your life that threaten that temple or beautify it?

• The Gospel reading this week is often one cited to show us that Jesus had very human emotions: in this case, anger. Of all the things that were recorded in Scripture, why do you think the Gospel writers chose this one to include as a glimpse of a very human Christ? When we think of our houses of worship or churches today, are they a marketplace, like Jesus was talking about? What church financial practices are in line with Jesus’ teachings and which are not?