27th Friday in Ordinary Time, the Anniversary of the Dedication of the Cathedral of the Rockford Diocese, October 11, 2024
Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; Ps 46; Jn 2:13-22
Today would normally be Friday in the 26th week of Ordinary Time, or the Feast of Pope St. John the 23rd. However, it is also the day the current Rockford Diocese Cathedral was dedicated in 1970. Why do we celebrate the dedication of a cathedral? The annual observance of the dedication of a church celebrates the mystery of the living Church, that is, the people of God in pilgrimage to the new Jerusalem. We are the people, the Church, and our buildings represent our pilgrimage to the new Jerusalem.
The dedication of cathedrals also marks the official setting apart of a church building as a sacred space dedicated to God, signifying the “Living Church” and the community of believers who gather there to worship, with the cathedral serving as the spiritual center of the diocese under the leadership of the bishop. It is a special occasion to commemorate this important symbolic act and to reaffirm the faith of the community. The Rockford Cathedral, St. Peter’s, was first dedicated as a cathedral on this day in 1970 by Bishop Arthur J. O’Neill. It was then consecrated by Bishop O’Neill on this day in 1978 and has since been the center of the Diocese.
The readings for today were taken from the Commons for the anniversary of the dedication of a church. These are the same readings that will be used on November 9th, as we celebrate the Dedication of the Basilica of St . John Lateran. When thinking of a building, we must remember that Christians are God’s living temple. The building can only be an effective sign of God’s presence to His people, as such a type, or image of the heavenly Jerusalem. However, this can only happen if the members let themselves be built like living stones into a spiritual temple with Christ as the foundation.
The first reading from Ezekial talks about freshwater flowing from the temple to the sea. As it mixes with the sea, it freshens the seawater where the creatures of the sea can thrive. So it is with our lives that we flow into the world. While we have a beautiful cathedral to worship in, it will only thrive if we, its members, flow into the world pure and fresh. For the world will be nourished by the flowing from the sanctuary, us. Jesus made this point in the Gospel reading where he cleansed the temple of all that was not good and proclaimed, that it will be through Him, the new temple, that the water will flow.
As we think about the buildings we worship in, and celebrate their existence, take time to also celebrate the new life and promises Jesus brought us through His death and resurrection. Through His new temple, we can be promised eternal life in the new Jerusalem. We are continually reminded that God is in our midst, regardless of the building, from the Psalm Antiphon today. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High. Let us be that water that flows forth and makes all things fresh and renewed.
Saint James Catholic Church 