Dedication of the Westminster Cathedral- Feast

The Feast of the Dedication of the Westminster Cathedral

As we celebrate today the solemnity of the dedication of the Westminster cathedral in 1910, a tradition which goes way back, as we will see in the first reading, the entrance antiphon, as it were puts us directly at the centre of the mystery we celebrate. The mystery that the Lord, before whom the heaven and the earth flee, chooses to dwell among us. The antiphon is taken from Rev 21:3 and it says, “Behold God’s dwelling with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people, and he will be their God”.

As you would know, revelation chapter 21 could be seen as the climatic point of vision of the book Revelation. There we witness a definite breaking down of the spatial divide between God and his people and now God dwells with his people.

Whilst we can say that this vision points to the eschatons, which means the things that will happen at the end of time, It nonetheless speaks about our present reality, that God already dwells among his people in a concrete way.. Certainly, God dwells in us as the living stones being built into a spiritual house. But His presence also abides in his place of worship dedicated to his name.

 And this is what we saw in the first reading from 1 kings 8. After Solomon had completed building a house of worship for the Lord, he dedicated it as a house of prayer. You probably remember Jesus' words in the gospel, my house shall be a house of prayer. As Solomon began to dedicate the house, he prayed that the king of the universe may dwell in such a small place built with human hands. He prayed that the eyes of the Lord will be upon the house and that God should listen to the prayers offered in this place, and forgive his people when they call on him. 2 Chronicle 7:1 told us that as soon as Solomon finished praying fire came from heaven and consumed the offerings and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 

As we celebrate the dedication of the Westminster cathedral, we express our gratitude to God who despite his majesty dwells with his people and through the power of the spirit is building us into a spiritual house of worship upon the apostolic foundation. That foundation which St. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:11 has already been laid and which is Jesus Christ.

This is what we see in the today's Gospel, as soon as The Spirit of God revealed to St Peter the true identity of Jesus, as the Christ the son of the living, as it were it became a sign that the stage was set for Jesus to make that profound promise and pronouncement that, you are Peter and on this rock, I will build my church and the gate of the underworld will never hold against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom". St. Peter, in this way became the custodian of that truth which the spirit of God revealed through him. And when you consider the fragility and weaknesses of St, Peter you will see that the church is to consciously and constantly resort to grace to be faithful to and be rooted in that foundational profession that Jesus is Christ, the Son of the living God.

Let's pray for the church today, especially Westminster Diocese, that her place of worship may be a place of prayer, that in time of fear, sickness, brokenness when God’s people come into his house to pray, that the Lord will hear. As we constantly gather to worship, may our physical gathering will be a true reflection of our oneness in heart and spirit. And thus be a visible sign of God's presence in the world and in our hearts as his dwelling place not made with hands. United in Christ, may we continue to offer to the Lord our spiritual worship in our bodies the temple which the Lord has made for himself. Lord, As Solomon prayed, may your eyes be upon this house of prayer, listen to the prayers your children offer in this place, for you the Lord dwell among your people. As we experience the daily effects of your graces here on earth, help us to look forward for the perfection of all promises when we will see you as you are and all tears wiped from our cheek and all hopes satisfied. 

Let us pray

O God, who were pleased to call your Church the Bride,

grant that the people that serves your name
may revere you, love you and follow you,
and may be led by you to attain your promises in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen

The Lord be with you.

May the Almighty God bless you, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit

Go in peace and happy feast.