"We are a community of disciples inspired by the Holy Spirit to be living witnesses for transformation in Christ to bring about a world of justice, human development and true peace."
Word Sharing Circle (WSC) Reflection Guide
November 9, 2025 (Cycle C, Year I) – Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Community Word: We live with hope for eternal life in Christ the King.
Theme: We live with hope for eternal life when we allow the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our heart.
Promise: “…you are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in you,” (1 Cor 3:16).
Reflection:
The Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica reminds us that the true Church is not made of stone and marble, but of hearts enlivened by the Spirit of God. The Lateran Basilica, often called the “Mother and Head of all Churches,” symbolizes the unity of the faithful in one body under Christ, our cornerstone. Yet the deeper mystery of this feast lies not in the grandeur of a physical structure, but in the profound truth that each of us is a living temple of God. Within every believer, the Holy Spirit takes residence, sanctifying our hearts and transforming our lives into a dwelling place worthy of His presence.
In the vision of Ezekiel, water flowed from the temple, bringing life and healing wherever it went (Ez 47:1–12). This water signifies the life-giving grace of the Holy Spirit that flows from God’s heart into ours, renewing what is broken and lifeless. When we allow this Spirit to move freely within us, we become instruments of renewal in the world – channels of compassion, forgiveness, and peace. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowers us to rise above the weight of sin, to walk in love, and to live with hope for eternal life.
The indwelling Spirit is not a passive guest; He is a transforming fire that purifies, enlightens, and strengthens. He teaches us to discern God’s will, to seek holiness, and to serve others selflessly. The Spirit convicts us when we stray and comforts us when we are weary. In every moment of prayer, silence, or struggle, the Spirit breathes divine life into our soul, reminding us that we are never abandoned. This intimate union with God gives us the courage to face trials and the peace to surrender our will to His.
To live as God’s temple is to live with deep awareness of His constant presence. It calls us to nurture holiness through prayer, sacraments, and acts of charity. Our hearts must be cleansed of resentment, pride, and selfishness, so that God’s Spirit may reign freely within us. When the Spirit dwells in us, we radiate His light and bring His peace to others. This is our mission: to be the living Church in the world, witnessing to the hope and love of Christ in our words and actions.
As we celebrate this feast, let us rededicate ourselves as temples of the Holy Spirit, inviting Him to renew our hearts and make us instruments of His grace. May we live each day in joyful awareness of His presence within, confident in the eternal life that awaits us in Christ our King. St. Paul gives us this assurance – “…you are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in you.” (1 Cor 3:16).
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for making my heart Your dwelling place through the Holy Spirit. Cleanse me of all that defiles Your temple and fill me with Your love, peace, and truth. Teach me to listen to Your Spirit and to live in constant awareness of Your presence. May my life reflect Your holiness and bring others closer to You. Renew me each day with the living water of Your grace, that I may become a source of hope and healing in the world. Strengthen my faith, Lord, that I may live always for Your glory. Amen.
Reflection Guide Questions:
1. How conscious am I of God’s presence dwelling within me each day?
2. What areas of my life need cleansing so that the Holy Spirit can fully reign in my heart?
3. How can I become a visible sign of God’s living Church in my family and community?
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
November 9, 2025 (Sun) – Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12/ Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9/ 1 Cor 3:9C-11, 16-17/ Jn 2:13-22
November 10, 2025 (Mon) – Wis 1:1-7/ Ps 139:1-10/ Lk 17:2-6
November 11, 2025 (Tue) – Wis 2:23-3:9/ Ps 34:2, 3, 16, 17, 18, 19/ Lk 17:7-10
November 12, 2025 (Wed) – Wis 6:1-11/ Ps 82:3-7/ Lk 17:11-19
November 13, 2025 (Thu) – Wis 7:22-8:1/ Ps 119:89, 90, 91,130,135,175/ Lk 17:20-25
November 14, 2025 (Fri) – Wis 13:1-9/ Ps 19:2-5/ Lk 17:26-37
November 15, 2025 (Sat) – Wis 18:14-16/19:6-9/ Ps 105:2, 3, 36-37, 42, 43/ Lk 18:1-8
“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”
Weekly: Theme, Promise, Order, Direction and Prophesies (bldworld.org)