November 9, 2026 // Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: John 2:13-22

Reflect on the Word // 

She’s overheating, and it’s all my fault!

My anxiety was normally a quiet hum in my brain, but in that moment, it roared louder as I ran for more ice cubes. 

My cousin’s golden-retriever-husky Leia and I had just finished a mile walk in what I had thought was a cooled-down summer evening, yet by the time we made it back home, she was panting so hard I was worried I had given her heatstroke. Panicking, I grabbed all the nearest cold items and tried to cool her down. For a short time, her labored panting was so alarming, all I could do was cry, pray for Saint Anthony’s intercession, and frantically follow the Internet’s advice. 

Eventually her breathing returned to normal, her body at room temperature again. She was going to be okay! Leia licked my nose in gratitude, and I cried tears of joy.  

Both on that day and while reading today’s Gospel passage, I felt a sense of fear then awe towards the Lord. In John chapter two, Jesus said to the Jews in protest to their selling of wares in the synagogue, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). Imagine the emotions of those present. 

Jesus shares this massive statement amid His angry response, even though He really was “speaking about the temple of his body” and the soon-to-be miracle of His Resurrection (John 2:21). Like my frantic prayer for Leia, the fearful experience and escape of those Jesus drove out of the temple started with confusion and desperation, but later, on that Easter Morning, ended with awe when Jesus did exactly as He said He would. 

Jesus promises the impossible, and through our ongoing relationship with our Lord, we come to see that He keeps His promises—even if we have to experience fear first to get there.

What in your life do you need Jesus to save, to raise up? Maybe it’s your spirit, your compassion and empathy, your creativity or drive for excellence. Ask Jesus to show you today amid any and all your emotions, and check in with Him in three days’ time.

Relate to the Lord // Pray with us, “Jesus, Lord of my life, come raise up all that needs saving in me.”