Remember who we are as Catholic Christians

Members of the Swiss Guard watch over the congregation as Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass at Rome's Basilica of St. John Lateran Nov. 9, 2025, the feast of the basilica's dedication. (CNS photo/Pablo Esparza) (Courtesy photo of Pablo Esparza)

Some years ago I participated in a mission trip to a very rural area in Panama. On Sunday, we boarded a rickety old van to go to church. When we arrived at the small, concrete-block building, I learned that there was no priest to celebrate Mass. We learned that a priest might be available only once or twice a year.

The church was crowded with people who walked from their farms. Two women led the service. They read the Scriptures for the day, offered some reflection on the readings and invited those assembled to offer their thoughts on how God’s word spoke to them. At the end of the service the parishioners shared if they had any special needs (a ride to the doctors, help with an elderly parent) that might be met by the community. It was a simple and beautiful Liturgy of the word. Although there was no Mass the people realized that the church was not a building. They understood that  God was present in the readings and in their sharing. They understood that the Church is each one of us gathered together as the people of God.

That experience came to mind while reflecting on the second reading from St. Paul to the Christian community at Corinth. Paul wrote this letter about 50 years after Jesus’ death, yet already the Christians in Corinth were beginning to divide into factions based on different approaches to worship and how they lived out their faith. The competition and rivalry among the various small Christian communities in Corinth prompted Paul to remind them that they are brothers and sisters. They are God’s holy temple and that the Holy Spirit dwells in them. He urges them not to destroy the unity that holds God’s people together despite their differences. 

(On Sunday, we celebrated) the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome which was built in the early fourth century. In a sense, St. John Lateran is the parish church of all Catholics, because it is the pope’s cathedral. This church is the spiritual home of the people of God who are the Church. St. John Lateran has been a symbol of unity for all Christians for over 1,700 years.

Maybe that is why St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians was selected for the feast. This feast is not just about one very special Basilica in Rome. This feast is about you and me and every other person on this planet who identifies as a Catholic Christian. (On Sunday, we celebrated) the people of God, the church, in all its diversity, cultural differences and expressions. St. Paul reminds us that we are one despite our differences. We are one not because of the place where we worship but because we have been baptized into Christ Jesus. We are one, holy, Catholic Church as we profess in the Creed.

This feast day celebrates our unity as Catholics and offers us hope and encouragement as the parishes of St. Clement and St. Peter begin a journey of growing together as one Catholic community of Saratoga Springs. Of course any change brings with it anxiety and fear because we are human and most human beings struggle with change. But as humans we also know change is just part of life. I realize this every time I put on my glasses to read, glasses which I never needed when I was young.

Before retirement on my car ride to work each day I passed a beautiful little Protestant church. What was unusual was that just about every year there was a new name on that little church. I learned the congregation was severely divided about many issues, much like the people of Corinth long ago, and so they regularly fired their minister, found a new one and gave the church a new name.

Just before he was arrested and crucified, Jesus offered this prayer for his followers: “Father, I pray that they may be one as we are one.” Jesus understood that his disciples might be tempted to break off into factions once he was not there to hold them together. His prayer for unity is just as important for our parishes today as we face the challenges ahead.

The dedication of a Basilica hundreds of years ago is a good day to remember who we are as Catholic Christians. Among the many identity cards in my wallet, one stands out. It says: Ed, disciple of Jesus Christ in formation and beloved son of God. That identity is more important than where I worship, how I worship or with whom I worship. All those things have and will continue to change but my identity, thank God, will never change.

You and I are called by our baptism to be Pilgrims of Hope. Together may we build a vibrant community of Catholic Christians in Saratoga, a holy temple, where all are welcome and where the poor, the homeless and the marginalized in our town will experience God’s unconditional love for them and for every person on this planet.

This homily was delivered by Deacon Edward Solomon on Nov. 9 at the 4 p.m. Mass at St. Clement’s Church in Saratoga Springs on the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica.