The message of this celebration
The Lateran Basilica in Rome is the cathedral of the Pope and the mother church of all churches, so this feast celebrates the unity of the whole Church. Church buildings matter because they house the living Church, God's people, built on Christ. From God's house flows the river of grace that brings life wherever it goes.
The readings
First Reading
Ezekiel sees water flowing out from under the threshold of the Temple, growing into a river that cannot be crossed. Wherever it flows it brings life, making salt water fresh and teeming with fish, and fruit trees grow on its banks whose leaves are for healing.
Responsorial Psalm
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble, so we will not fear though the earth shakes. A river gladdens the city of God, God is within her, and the Lord of hosts is with us.
Second Reading
Paul tells the Corinthians that they are God's building, and he laid the foundation, which is Jesus Christ. They are God's temple and the Spirit of God dwells in them, and God's temple is holy.
Gospel
At Passover Jesus drives the traders and money-changers out of the Temple, telling them not to make his Father's house a marketplace. When asked for a sign, he says to destroy this temple and he will raise it up in three days, and after his resurrection the disciples understand that he spoke of his body.
References follow the Lectionary for Mass; links open the full text in the New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition. Parishes in Uganda may use a different approved translation, and where readings offer a choice the first option is linked. Always check the Uganda Episcopal Conference Ordo for local celebrations.
Music ideas
Songs about the Church, God's house and the living stones suit the entrance and preparation of the gifts. Psalm 46 is the psalm, and a song of water flowing from the temple or of unity in the Church fits Communion.
As a feast it has the Gloria and the Creed when it falls on a Sunday (on a weekday a feast has the Gloria but no Creed).
No songs in our library are tagged for this celebration yet. Browse the whole library by part of the Mass.