Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, Rome
Based on John 2:13-22
The temple was filled,
With dirt and grime,
Selling and cheating,
Lying and crime.
Zeal for the temple,
Consumed Our Lord.
Turning over tables,
Many looked for the door.
There is no escape,
From the filth inside,
Except by a scourging,
Of our deepest pride.
The temple, the body.
The whip, confession.
Read the Gospel closely,
To understand this lesson.
The body is the temple,
Of the Holy Spirit, this is true.
Christ has zeal for your temple,
And with the holy whip will renew.
Submit to the cleansing,
Cast out what is unclean,
And like your dear Savior,
Rise again to be seen.
Share in the Resurrection,
Will be yours on that day,
If you clean your temple,
And cry, “Take these things away.“
More poetry available in The Last Dragon and Other Poems by James M. Hahn
FROM THE SAINTS – “Whenever we come to a church, we must prepare our hearts to be as beautiful as we expect this church to be. Do you wish to find this basilica immaculately clean? Then do not soil your soul with the filth of sins. Do you wish this basilica to be full of light? God too wishes that your soul be not in darkness, but that the light of good works shine in us, so that he who dwells in the heavens will be glorified. Just as you enter into this church building, so God wishes to enter into your soul…” – Saint Caesarius of Arles (taken from the Liturgy of the Hours for the Feast of the Dedication of Saint John Lateran)
A Wonderful Christmas Gift Idea!
Did Jesus Have a Puppy?
Adults and children alike love this delightfully illustrated rhyming book that imagines how Jesus’ puppy may have been just like our own puppies. Includes space for personal puppy pictures, journaling page, prayers, and more. It’s a great Catholic book for kids of ages.
Amazon – Paperback
James M. Hahn, Author 