PM: Special Edition--Feast Of The Dedication Of The Lateran Basilica

Here is another one of those feasts which would supercede the Sunday of Ordinary Time if today's date would fall on the first day of the week. It is officially the cathedral for the Bishop of Rome. This church honors two St. Johns--the Baptist and the Evangelist. 

God is in his holy place, God who unites those who dwell in his house; he himself gives might and strength to his people. 

V. Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered; and let those who hate him flee before his face.

Ps. 67:6, 7, 36; V. 2

This is also the Introit for the Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time. While God is everywhere, He is especially present in His sacred buildings, where He provides for His people.

I rejoiced when it was said unto me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord!" 

V. Let peace reign within your walls, and abundance in your towers.

Ps. 121:1; V. 7

This is also the Gradual for the Twenty-Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time. Our hearts should be glad when we go to meet Him where He is, as He is. 

The house of the Lord is solidly built upon a firm rock.

A rare non-biblical Proper, this Alleluia displays the unity of the People of God with the Supreme Pontiff. "Where Peter is, there is the Church."

O Lord God, in the simplicity of my heart I have joyfully offered all things: and I have beheld with immense joy your people gathered here. God of Israel, preserve this good intention, O Lord God.

1 Chron. 29:17, 18

What a sincere request during the Offertory. Reminds one of the request Solomon had before he became king, when he asked for wisdom. 

Jerusalem is built as a city bonded as one together. It is there that the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, to praise the name of the Lord.

Psalm 121:3-4

This is used at Communion on the Fourth Sunday of Lent when the Gospel is not either the Man Born Blind or the Prodigal Son. Again the unity of those who make up the visible Church and their primary duty is presented.

Omnium urbis et orbis ecclesiarum mater et caput.

Of all the churches in the city and the world, the mother and head.