A Symbol of Christian Unity and Apostolic Tradition

A basilica is an early form of a building used for Christian worship, especially in Western Europe in the centuries following the recognition of Christianity by Constantine in the fourth century. It was modeled on secular Roman buildings of the same name. Contrary to the assumption of most Catholics, the Lateran Basilica, not St. Peter’s, is the official cathedral of the Pope as Bishop of Rome.

All very interesting, but why should we be celebrating this particular Basilica, when it is like many other buildings in Rome, including the three other Major Basilicas? The short answer is that (the often rebuilt) St. John Lateran is the widely recognized symbol for Christians of their love and union with the See of St. Peter. We might not sufficiently appreciate this symbol of unity today given the fragmentation of the Christian church today.

The readings can help us deepen our appreciation of the Pope in protecting and promoting the unity of Christians. Ezekiel writes down his vision of the future temple, the palace on earth of the Living God. Ezekiel sees the future with remarkable concreteness. The life and refreshment produced by the stream flowing from the temple transform places of death into places of life, and evoke the order of abundance and the order of paradise (Genesis 1:20-22 and 2:10-14). St. Paul views Christians themselves as temples of God, because God dwells in them. And Jesus reminds hearers that he himself is a living temple of his Father, which gives him the right to cleanse the temple.

The present fragmentation of the Christian church hides the unity and love that should be visible in Christ’s communities. In response, Catholics today rightly do what their ancestors have done since ancient times — look to the See of Peter to bring about unity and preserve the apostolic traditions. Over the centuries, the papacy has sometimes failed to lead effectively and with integrity, but those failures neither negate God’s promise nor the church’s responsibility. In recent decades, the papacy has regained much of its rightful role, often inspiring the entire world.

One last point. All should realize that the office of Pope is not a private privilege, for he must exercise his responsibilities in union with the fellow bishops, and, further, that the local church (that’s us) has an important role and responsibility in fostering unity and mutual acceptance. We too are the church.

Richard Clifford, S.J., has taught biblical studies for 55 years, most recently at the Clough School of Theology and Ministry, Boston College, and has written many scholarly and popular books and articles.